Hebbian-Type Associative Stimulation in Stroke Rehabilitation
Launched by THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · Jul 17, 2025
Trial Information
Current as of August 19, 2025
Not yet recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is studying a new way to help improve arm and hand movement in people who have had a stroke. After a stroke, the two sides of the brain can become unbalanced, which makes it harder to recover movement on the affected side. This study tests a special type of brain stimulation called Hebbian-type associative stimulation, which aims to restore balance between the two brain halves and help improve arm function. The researchers want to see if this new method works better than other types of brain stimulation or fake (sham) treatments.
People who might be eligible for this trial are those between 40 and 75 years old who had a specific type of stroke affecting one side of their brain at least six months ago. They should have mild to moderate difficulty moving their affected arm but still have some movement. Participants need to be able to give written consent and should not have other neurological diseases, serious muscle stiffness, or significant memory or thinking problems. If chosen, participants will receive brain stimulation sessions and have their arm movement and brain activity carefully monitored to see if the treatment helps them recover better. This trial could offer new hope for improving arm function after stroke by targeting brain connections in a unique way.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • 1. Diagnosis with monohemispheric ischemic subcortical stroke (with intact corpus callosum), with stroke onset ≥6 months,
- • 2. Age 40-75 years.
- • 3. Residual upper limb function between levels 3-6, according to the Functional Test for the Hemiplegic Upper Extremity (FTHUE), indicating mildly to moderately impaired upper limb motor function.
- • 4. Capable of providing informed written consent.
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • 1. any contraindications for TMS (screened using the safety checklist by Rossi)
- • 2. Diagnosis of any concomitant neurological diseases other than stroke.
- • 3. Signs of cognitive impairment, defined as a Montreal cognitive assessment Hong Kong version score \<21/22 out of 30 .
- • 4. Severe spasticity in the hemiparetic upper limb muscles, with a Modified Ashworth score \>2.
About The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is a leading institution in applied research and education, dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in various fields, including health sciences. As a clinical trial sponsor, PolyU focuses on conducting rigorous and ethically sound research to enhance understanding of medical interventions and improve patient outcomes. The university leverages its multidisciplinary expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and collaboration with industry partners to facilitate groundbreaking studies that address pressing health challenges. Committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence, PolyU aims to translate research findings into practical solutions that benefit society and contribute to the global advancement of healthcare.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Patients applied
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported