Investigating the Impact of Afferent Stimulation on Proprioceptive Function in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

Launched by JULIO S. LORA MILLÁN · Jul 9, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a special device that uses gentle vibrations and low-level electrical signals to help people who have had a stroke better sense the position and movement of their arm. This sense, called proprioception, is often affected after a stroke and is important for controlling arm movements. The study aims to see how well this device works in providing helpful feedback to improve arm function during rehabilitation.

The trial is open to adults aged 65 to 74, including both healthy volunteers and people who have had a stroke some time ago and have mild to moderate weakness or movement problems in one arm. To join, stroke survivors need to have enough thinking ability to follow instructions and participate actively, and their arm impairment should fall within a certain mild-to-moderate range. During the study, participants can expect sessions where the device delivers sensory stimulation to their arm while they perform certain movements. People with serious joint pain, recent surgeries, or other health issues affecting arm movement would not be eligible. If you or a loved one fits these criteria and are interested, this study might offer a new way to support recovery after stroke.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• * For healthy subjects:
• • 1. No neurological or orthopedic conditions affecting upper limb movement.
• • 2. No surgical interventions on the upper limbs within the past 6 months.
• • 3. General physical condition adequate to perform the session.
• • 4. Cognitive abilities sufficient to understand and carry out the experimental procedure.
• * For stroke survivors:
• • 1. Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke resulting in motor impairments in the upper limb.
• • 2. Chronic stroke condition.
• • 3. Subjects with sufficient cognitive abilities to follow instructions and actively participate in the therapy.
• • 4. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score \> 24.
• 5. Subjects presenting hemiparesis and mild-to-moderate impairment in the upper limb (score on the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment for the upper limb, sections A-D, between 35 and 53 points). The maximum score on the FM scale is 66, with the following severity classifications:
• • 0-15: severe impairment
• • 16-34: moderate-to-severe impairment
• • 35-53: mild-to-moderate impairment
• • 54-66: mild impairment 6. Subjects presenting upper limb hypertonia with a score below 3 on the Modified Ashworth Scale.
• • 7. Subjects who have signed the informed consent document to voluntarily participate in the experiments.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Acute musculoskeletal disorders.
• • 2. Peripheral vascular diseases.
• • 3. Acute cardiopulmonary conditions.
• • 4. Acute neurological disorders.
• • 5. Restricted mobility of upper limb joints due to any cause.
• • 6. Pain as a cause of impaired upper limb mobility.