Clinical trial for Stroke
Official title Improving Stroke Motor Control With Non-invasive Brain Stimulation and Functional Electrical Stimulation
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03857529
What this study is testing
- What it's testing
- This study is testing whether combining brain stimulation with muscle stimulation improves hand control. It focuses on people who have had a stroke.
- Who it's for
- You may be able to join if you had a stroke and still have weakness in one hand.
- What's involved
- You will get a gentle electric current to your scalp. A small device will send mild muscle pulses to your hand. You will have a few visits for setup and check‑ins.
- Time commitment
- The study lasts about a month, with several short visits to apply the treatments and monitor progress.
A plain-language read of the study's public ClinicalTrials.gov listing. The study team confirms the details.
Who can take part
Ages 21 and older
You may be able to join if
- Age ≥ 21
- ≥ 6 months since first clinical hemorrhagic or nonhemorrhagic stroke
- Able to follow 3-stage commands and remember 2 of 3 items after 30 minutes
- Full volitional elbow extension/flexion and hand opening/closing of unaffected limb
- Adequate active movement of shoulder and elbow to position the paretic hand in the workspace for table-top task practice
You likely can't join if
- Co-existing neurological condition other than prior stroke involving the hemiparetic upper limb (e.g., peripheral nerve injury, Parkinson's disease...
- Uncontrolled seizure disorder
- Use of seizure lowering threshold medications at the discretion of the study physician (Dr. Rich Wilson)
- Cardiac pacemaker or other implanted electronic device and/or stent
- Pregnant
- Intramuscular botox injections in any upper extremity muscle in the last 3 months
See the full eligibility criteria
- Age ≥ 21
- ≥ 6 months since first clinical hemorrhagic or nonhemorrhagic stroke
- Able to follow 3-stage commands and remember 2 of 3 items after 30 minutes
- Full volitional elbow extension/flexion and hand opening/closing of unaffected limb
- Adequate active movement of shoulder and elbow to position the paretic hand in the workspace for table-top task practice
- Patient must be able to sit unassisted in an armless straight-back chair for the duration of the screening portion of the eligibility assessment
- Medically stable
- ≥ 10° finger extension
- Unilateral upper limb hemiparesis with finger extensor strength of ≤ grade 4/5 on the manual muscle test AND a score of ≥1 and ≤ 11/14 on the hand section of the upper extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment
- Skin intact on hemiparetic arm, hand and scalp
- While relaxed, surface neuromuscular electrical stimulation of finger extensors and thumb extensors and/or abductors produces a functional degree of hand opening without pain.
- No significant visual or hearing impairment
- Co-existing neurological condition other than prior stroke involving the hemiparetic upper limb (e.g., peripheral nerve injury, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis).
- Uncontrolled seizure disorder
- Use of seizure lowering threshold medications at the discretion of the study physician (Dr. Rich Wilson)
- Cardiac pacemaker or other implanted electronic device and/or stent
- Pregnant
- Intramuscular botox injections in any upper extremity muscle in the last 3 months
- Insensate arm, forearm, or hand
- Severely impaired cognition and communication
- Uncompensated hemi-neglect (extinguishing to double simultaneous stimulation)
- Severe shoulder or hand pain (unable to position hand in the workspace without pain)
- Metal implant in the head
The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where it is enrolling
- Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Compensation & support
A stipend or payment for your time may be offered.
No amount is published here because ClinicalTrials.gov has no reliable field for payment or travel support. Ask the study team what's actually covered (payment for your time, travel, parking, or other study costs), and never join a trial for the compensation alone.
Questions & answers
Do participants get paid in this trial?
This study's listing includes signals that participants may be compensated or receive a stipend. Amounts vary and are set by the study team, so confirm the details with them.
Is it free to join, and do I need insurance?
Searching and applying through BridgeMD is free. In clinical trials the study-related treatment and visits are generally provided at no cost to you. You usually don't need insurance to take part, but confirm specifics with the study team.
How long does this study last?
The listing doesn't state an exact length. The study team walks you through the schedule and number of visits before you decide to enroll.
Who can join this trial?
This study is enrolling all sexes, 21 years and older. The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where is this trial taking place?
This study is enrolling now at Cleveland, Ohio, United States. Enter your location above to see the nearest enrolling site and check your eligibility.
Explore other conditions
BridgeMD is an information and trial-matching tool that is independent of the study sponsor. Details come from ClinicalTrials.gov. The study team decides eligibility, and your own doctor gives medical advice.