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Strategies for Recovery of Dexterity Post Stroke

Not Applicable
Terminated
Conditions
Stroke With Hemiparesis
Registration Number
NCT01977027
Lead Sponsor
NYU Langone Health
Brief Summary

Motor learning can be affected by the sensory difficulties that may be experienced as a result of a stroke. This study will help us better understand what kinds of sensory information can help with the re-learning of grasping with the affected hand despite the sensory difficulties produced by the stroke.

Detailed Description

The purpose of this study is to develop, refine and test the 'alternate hand training strategy' to facilitate adaptation, repetition and relearning to restore hand function after stroke. The three aims are: to restore adaptation (Aim 1), facilitate grasp efficiency and normal directional biases during repetition (Aim 2), and enhance the rate of learning to improve hand function and quality of life post stroke (Aim 3).

Hypotheses: We hypothesize that alternate hand training will increase the rate of learning and lead to greater improvement in hand function. The results will inform dosing of therapy for optimal relearning.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
TERMINATED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
91
Inclusion Criteria
  • Ability to read/write in English
  • Age > 18 yrs
  • Radiologically verified stroke > 4 months old (3T structural MRI)
  • Moderate arm motor impairment (Fugl-Meyer Scale < 60/66)
  • Ability to reach, grasp and lift the test objects with the affected side as assessed by the PI
  • Willingness to complete all clinical assessments and MRI, and comply with training protocols
  • Ability to give informed consent and HIPPA certificationsPlease list all exclusion criteria for study:
Exclusion Criteria
  • Sensorimotor impairments in the unaffected hand
  • Severe visual or sensory impairment, including neglect on the affected side
  • Significant cognitive dysfunction (score < 24 on Folstein's Mini Mental Status Examination)
  • Severe or unstable spasticity on treatment with Botulinum toxin or intrathecal baclofen
  • Depression (Geriatric Depression Scale score <11)
  • Major disability (modified Rankin Scale > 4)
  • Previous neurological illness, complicated medical condition, or significant injury to either upper extremity

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
For Phase 2: Change in Hand function6 weeks

Subjects will be randomized to Alternate Hand Training or Affected Hand Training arms and receive training twice a week for 6 weeks.

For Phase 1: Adaptation of fingertip forces and movements during grasping.6 weeks

5 experiments will be performed over 7 visits to examine the best approach to retrain adaptation.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Phase 2 - Maintenance of hand function6 weeks after end of training

Recovery of hand function will be measured by repeating the pre-intervention clinical and grasping assessments 6-weeks after the end of training.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

New York University School of Medicine

🇺🇸

New York, New York, United States

New York University School of Medicine
🇺🇸New York, New York, United States

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