CompletedNot Applicable

The Effects of Attentional Focus on Arm Training in Stroke

33 participantsStarted 2014-05

Plain-language summary

This study compares the effects of an internal versus an external focus of attention on motor training of the affected arm for individuals with stroke. Participants were randomly assigned to either the internal or external focus treatment groups and received 12 sessions of arm training.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of stroke \> 6 months * moderate to severe arm impairment * intact visual scanning and spatial orientation of the affected arm * functional cognitive status * medically stable Exclusion Criteria: * concurrent occupational or physical therapy for the arm * joint contractures at the wrist, forearm, elbow, or shoulder * moderate to severe spasticity at the elbow or shoulder * presence of other neurological conditions * botulinum toxin injection in the affected arm \< 3 months prior * score of 0/5 on manual muscle test at the elbow or shoulder

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in coordination at the shoulder and elbow measured by joint independence after arm training assessed start of training, discharge and at follow up.

Timeframe: baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks

Change in quality of arm motion measured by smoothness at the start of arm training, at 4week, and 8 weeks.

Timeframe: baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks

Change in motor impairment of the arm measured by Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) at the start of training, discharge, and follow up.

Timeframe: baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks

Change in motor impairment and functional ability of the arm measured by the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) at start of training, discharge, and follow up.

Timeframe: baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02890446

SponsorNew York Presbyterian Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2015-11

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Stroke trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Change in coordination at the shoulder and elbow measured by joint independence after arm training assessed start of training, discharge and at follow up.

Timeframe: baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks

Change in quality of arm motion measured by smoothness at the start of arm training, at 4week, and 8 weeks.

Timeframe: baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks

Change in motor impairment of the arm measured by Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) at the start of training, discharge, and follow up.

Timeframe: baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks

Change in motor impairment and functional ability of the arm measured by the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) at start of training, discharge, and follow up.

Timeframe: baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks