Research on the Effectiveness of the Method of Active Examination of Artificially Simulated Textures Generated by Programmable Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation as a Method of Restoring Sensorimotor Function of the Upper Limbs
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 招募中
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 20
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Change in Tactile Sensitivity of the Affected Index Finger
研究概览
简要总结
Parallel-group, single-blinded controlled clinical trial. The study includes people aged 18-80 years, more than one month after stroke, with confirmed diagnosis, MoCA ≥ 20, and Barthel Index ≥ 3.
The control group receives standard rehabilitation. The experimental group also receives active sensory training with programmable electrical stimulation to simulate virtual textures.
Sensory function was assessed before and after the training using standard tests, including Fugl-Meyer, ARAT, 9HPT, and monofilament testing.
详细描述
Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide. In many cases, it results in persistent sensorimotor deficits in the upper limbs, including reduced tactile sensitivity, poor proprioception, and impaired fine motor skills. These deficits limit independence in daily activities such as grasping, dressing, or using utensils, and reduce the quality of life for stroke survivors.
Sensory rehabilitation is a critical but often under-addressed aspect of post-stroke recovery. Traditional approaches frequently focus on motor function alone, overlooking the importance of sensory input in guiding and refining movement. While methods such as sensory stimulation and retraining have shown some promise, their long-term effectiveness remains inconsistent, and they often lack patient engagement.
The present study investigates the efficacy of a novel method of active sensory rehabilitation based on simulated texture exploration using programmable transcutaneous electrical stimulation. This method is designed to combine active tactile exploration with real-time sensory feedback. Participants use their index finger to explore virtual textures on a tablet screen. Each time the finger crosses a virtual texture line, an electrical pulse is delivered to the finger via surface electrodes. This setup creates the sensation of moving across textures of different densities, which the participant must compare and identify.
The goal is to determine whether this approach improves tactile discrimination and supports motor recovery in the upper limb. The trial is conducted as a parallel-group, single-blinded controlled clinical study. Participants are adults aged 18 to 80 years, at least one month post-stroke, with sufficient cognitive and functional status (MoCA ≥ 20, Barthel Index ≥ 3). Participants are randomly assigned to either a control group or an experimental group.
The control group receives conventional rehabilitation prescribed by their physician.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- None
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 18 Years 至 80 Years（Adult, Older Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Episode of stroke confirmed by neuroimaging
- •More than one month post-stroke
- •Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥ 20
- •Barthel Index score ≥ 3
- •Ability to understand and follow instructions
- •Informed consent for participation and data collection
- •Age 18-80 years
排除标准
- •Presence of depressive symptoms (HADS-Depression > 11)
- •Upper limb paresis score below 35 on the Fugl-Meyer scale
- •Sensory impairment score below 3 or above 10 on the Fugl-Meyer scale
研究组 & 干预措施
Active Touch Sensory Training Intervention
Participants in this arm undergo a novel sensory rehabilitation protocol based on the Active Touch Paradigm. This intervention integrates real-time functional electrical stimulation with voluntary finger movement across a touch-sensitive screen to explore virtual textures of varying densities. Each time a participant's finger crosses an invisible virtual grating line, a tactile sensation is delivered via electrical stimulation to the index finger. The system records finger trajectory, response time, and decision-making accuracy, offering real-time visual and tactile feedback to enhance sensory discrimination and neuroplasticity. The training consists of 180 trials divided into six blocks with breaks in between, and assessments are conducted before and after the intervention using tools such as the Touch-Test monofilament, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and ARAT. This arm aims to evaluate the efficacy of active engagement and sensorimotor integration in promoting sensory recovery after stroke.
干预措施: Active Touch-Based Sensory Training (Device)
Standard Rehabilitation Without Sensory Training
Participants in this arm receive standard post-stroke rehabilitation as prescribed by their physicians but do not undergo any form of targeted sensory training or participate in the Active Touch Paradigm. They complete the same pre- and post-intervention assessments as the experimental group, including tactile sensitivity testing with von Frey monofilaments, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and the Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT). This arm serves as a control condition to evaluate the specific effects of the active touch-based sensory intervention on sensory and motor recovery in stroke survivors.
结局指标
主要结局
Change in Tactile Sensitivity of the Affected Index Finger
时间窗: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 2 weeks
Tactile sensitivity is assessed using von Frey monofilaments applied to the index finger of the hand contralateral to the stroke lesion. The outcome is defined as the change in sensory threshold (in grams) from baseline to post-intervention. A decrease in threshold indicates improved tactile sensitivity. This measure evaluates the primary therapeutic effect of the active touch-based sensory training.
次要结局
- Change in Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT) Performance(From enrollment to the end of treatment at 2 weeks)
- Change in Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) Score(From enrollment to the end of treatment at 2 weeks)
- Change in Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) Score(From enrollment to the end of treatment at 2 weeks)