This trial is examining the effectiveness of robotic rehabilitation and transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) in patients with stroke. The main outcome to be measured is the change in proprioception (awareness of where our limbs are in space, in the absence of vision). This trial will be conducted in Alberta, Canada.
The details
Proprioceptive negative side effects are common following stroke. These patients have abnormal body positions or movements. Robotic rehabilitation (use of robotic arms and hands) and TDCS (brain stimulation by the delivery of electrical impulses) might help to treat these patients. However, it is still not clear how these methods could improve proprioception.
This trial is examining the effectiveness of robotic rehabilitation and TDCS in patients with stroke. The main outcome to be measured is the change in proprioception.
Who are they looking for?
This trial is recruiting 30 patients who had a stroke more than 6 months ago. Patients must have body movement deficits and must have the ability to follow simple 3-step commands.
Patients must not have any other brain disease (such as Parkinson's disease or seizure disorders) and they should not have metal implants in the head.
How will it work
There will be 3 groups. Group 1 will be randomly assigned to receive robotic rehabilitation plus TDCS. Group 2 will receive robotic rehabilitation plus placebo (therapy with no effect in the body). Group 3 will receive standard rehabilitation therapy. Robotic rehabilitation consists of 1 hour each day for 10-days of 5 simple video game-like tasks. TDCS will be applied during the first 20 minutes of each robotic therapy session.
All participants will undergo 3 follow-up sessions, once at the start, one after the treatment (12 days) and one after 3 months.
The main outcome will be measured by the change in proprioception.
