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Stroke Rehabilitation Using Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Technology

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Stroke
Interventions
Device: Functional Electric Stimulation (FES)
Behavioral: Behavioral Assessments
Other: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Other: EEG
Registration Number
NCT04141774
Lead Sponsor
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Brief Summary

The purpose of this research is to determine if functional muscle stimulation, directed by electroencephalogram (EEG) output, can increase the extent of stroke recovery on behavioral measures and induce brain plasticity as measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Participants will include stroke patients with upper-limb hemiparesis and can expect to be on study for approximately 4 months.

Detailed Description

Ongoing research (NCT02098265) suggests that noninvasive EEG driven Brain Computer Interface (BCI) systems hold the potential for facilitating recovery in the chronic phase after stroke by synchronizing central or brain activity with peripheral movements and thereby harnessing brain plasticity.

The specific aims of this study are:

Aim 1: To investigate the efficacy of active FES vs. passive FES, as measured by changes in behavioral measures. The investigators hypothesize that improvements in motor function will be significantly greater using the active FES therapy than the passive FES therapy.

Aim 2: To investigate the relationship between brain functional activation patterns and behavior changes induced by active vs. passive FES intervention. The investigators hypothesize that changes induced by active FES (as measured by brain fMRI and EEG measures) will show greater adaptive brain reorganization changes (i.e. brain changes that correlate with improved outcomes) than that induced by the passive FES.

Aim 3: To investigate the relationship between brain white matter integrity and behavior changes induced by active vs. passive FES intervention. The investigators hypothesize that changes induced by active FES (as measured by brain DTI measures) will show greater adaptive brain reorganization changes (i.e. brain changes that correlate with improved outcomes) than that induced by the passive FES.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
84
Inclusion Criteria
  • New-onset ischemic stroke 12 months prior - chronic time frame;
  • Right hand dominant - affected arm;
  • Mild to moderate unilateral upper extremity impairment or severe unilateral upper extremity impairment;
  • No upper extremity injury or conditions that limited use prior to the stroke;
  • Must be able to provide informed consent on their own behalf.
Exclusion Criteria
  • Inability to competently participate in study procedures
  • Concurrent upper extremity therapy, other neurological or psychiatric disorders

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Passive FESFunctional Electric Stimulation (FES)Subjects randomized to this control group will be asked to participate in a passive FES intervention or non-EEG guided muscle stimulation. Participation will include behavioral assessments, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and functional electric stimulation (FES) treatment.
Active FESFunctional Electric Stimulation (FES)Subjects randomized to this experimental group will be asked to complete the active FES intervention which include EEG guided muscle stimulation. Participation will include behavioral assessments, functional magnetic resonance imaging, functional electric stimulation (FES) treatment, and EEG.
Active FESMagnetic Resonance ImagingSubjects randomized to this experimental group will be asked to complete the active FES intervention which include EEG guided muscle stimulation. Participation will include behavioral assessments, functional magnetic resonance imaging, functional electric stimulation (FES) treatment, and EEG.
Active FESEEGSubjects randomized to this experimental group will be asked to complete the active FES intervention which include EEG guided muscle stimulation. Participation will include behavioral assessments, functional magnetic resonance imaging, functional electric stimulation (FES) treatment, and EEG.
Passive FESMagnetic Resonance ImagingSubjects randomized to this control group will be asked to participate in a passive FES intervention or non-EEG guided muscle stimulation. Participation will include behavioral assessments, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and functional electric stimulation (FES) treatment.
Passive FESBehavioral AssessmentsSubjects randomized to this control group will be asked to participate in a passive FES intervention or non-EEG guided muscle stimulation. Participation will include behavioral assessments, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and functional electric stimulation (FES) treatment.
Active FESBehavioral AssessmentsSubjects randomized to this experimental group will be asked to complete the active FES intervention which include EEG guided muscle stimulation. Participation will include behavioral assessments, functional magnetic resonance imaging, functional electric stimulation (FES) treatment, and EEG.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Action Research Arm Test Scores4 months

The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) is designed for evaluation of upper extremity function. This test consists of sections for Grasp, Grip, Pinch and Gross Movements and comprise a total of 19 tests. Each test is scored 0-3 where 0 is 'no movement' and 3 is 'the movement is performed normally'. Each section is scored separately and the scores added for a total possible range of scores from 0-57 where the higher the score, the complete and efficient the movement. Scores will be reported for baseline, mid (\~7 weeks), post (\~10 weeks), and end of study, up to 4 months.

Stroke Impact Scale4 months

The Stroke Impact Scale, or SIS, was created to assess changes in impairments, activities and participation following a stroke. Scores on the SIS will provide an index of clinically "meaningful" change representing the change in the patient's mental and physical abilities concurrent with their performance on the verbal fluency and memory tasks. The 4 physical function domains (strength, hand function, activities of daily living (ADL)/instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and mobility) will be collapsed to a physical function subscale. All domain scores range from 0 to 100 with 100 being the best.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Signal Change in Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)4 months

To compare the percent signal change in the functional MRI activations before and after functional stimulation.

Change in Nine Hole Peg Test (9HPT)4 months

The 9-HPT is a quick and easy to administer tool for screening fine motor problems in participants. It is a timed test in which nine pegs are inserted and removed from nine holes in the pegboard with each hand. Measured at 5 time points over the length of the study.

Change in Motor Activity Log (MAL)4 months

The MAL is a structured interview developed to assess the use of the more affected upper extremity (UE) in real-world daily activities. Assessed at 5 time points over the length of the study.

Change in Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)4 months

The MAS measures spasticity where 0 is no increase in muscle tone to 4 where affected part is in rigid in flexion or extension. Assessed at 5 time points over the length of the study.

Change in Hand Grip Strength4 months

Hand Grip Strength will be assessed using a dynamometer. Measured at 5 time points over the length of the study.

Change in Electroencephalogram (EEG) Response Strength4 months

The change in the strength of the EEG response before and after functional stimulation during left arm imagery with respect to right arm imagery.

Change in Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)4 months

The CES-D is a self-report scale and includes 20 items that survey mood, somatic complaints, interactions with others, and motor functioning in the past week. Total possible score 0-60, with the higher score indicating more symptoms of depression. Assessed at 5 time points over the length of the study.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Wisconsin

🇺🇸

Madison, Wisconsin, United States

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