This trial is examining the predictive factors for stroke recovery. The main outcomes to be measured will be the change in hand movements after the stroke. This study is being conducted in Baltimore, Maryland, US.
The details
During a stroke, brain cells die due to the limited blood flow to the brain. When this happens, the abilities controlled by these brain cells are lost such as muscle function. Patients with stroke, often experience weakness of an arm or leg.
Physical therapy is the standard treatment for impaired arm movement. However, this therapy is only of limited effectiveness. The factors that affect the effectiveness of the treatment are still not clear.
This trial is examining the predictive factors for stroke recovery. The main outcomes to be measured will be the change in hand movements after the stroke.
Who are they looking for?
This trial is recruiting 96 participants with stroke and arm disability. Patients must have had a stroke at least 6 months prior to the start of the trial and should not have other disabilities that limit rehabilitation.
Patients must not have a serious medical illness, vision loss or any other muscle or bone problems. Patients must not have received botulinum toxin within 4 months of the start of this trial and must not have a history of seizures.
How will it work
All patients will receive robot and arm exercise training for 1 hour, 3 times a week for 12 weeks. The trial will start with 4 weeks of training with wrist robot. This will be followed by 4 weeks of shoulder-elbow robot training and by 4 more weeks of a mixed wrist and shoulder-elbow training. A training session will consist of robot training for 45 minutes followed by 15 minutes of daily tasks training.
The main outcome to be measured will be the change in arm function after the 12-week training program.
