CompletedNot Applicable

Functional Neuroimaging and Motor Recovery After Stroke

United States14 participantsStarted 2022-01-25

Plain-language summary

The primary goal of this project is to establish whether fMRI measurements of brain connectivity measured before and after interaction with a sensorimotor task can predict subsequent training-induced gains in motor function in a population of individuals with chronic stroke. This study involves individuals with chronic motor impairment resulting from stroke. The procedures include one fMRI session (baseline), followed by twelve training visits (2 or 3 times per week over 4-5 weeks) focused on training motor function of the hand and wrist conducted with a physical therapist. During imaging, participants interact with an MRI-compatible joystick that will cue participants to move their wrist in a controlled way. Before and after the training program, subjects will undergo behavioral testing with a physical therapist to quantify changes in clinical measures of impairment.

Who can participate

Age range

35 Years – 85 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: * age comprised between 35 and 85 years * diagnosis of a single unilateral subcortical stroke event occurring more than 6 months prior to enrollment resulting in upper extremity paresis (weakness) of one arm, * presence of residual upper extremity motor function, demonstrated by the ability to actively supinate (rotate hand toward "palm-up" direction) the paretic forearm to neutral and to voluntarily extend (bend wrist toward back of the hand) and radially deviate (bend wrist toward thumb side) the paretic wrist at least 5 degrees, * adequate cognition to provide informed consent and fully follow instruction (MOCA score of at least 19), * English-speaking Exclusion Criteria: * more than 1 stroke, * clinical or radiological evidence of damage to the cerebellum or brainstem, * contra-indications to MRI (i.e. pacemakers, cochlear implants, neurostimulators, metallic implants, pregnancy, claustrophobia, permanent metal braces, or other implanted devices not approved for 3T imaging - see CBBI MRI Safety Checklist for details), * weight \>400 pounds and/or unable or too uncomfortable to fit the torso into the MRI bore, * musculoskeletal or other neurologic (non-stroke) conditions directly affecting the paretic wrist or hand function (such as tendinitis, arthritis, hand or wrist orthopaedic surgery in the last 6 months, diagnosis of carpal tunnel, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, etc.) * inability to follow instructions on the motor task or understand …

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

Goodness of fit (R^2) of a model predicting change in Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer score from pre-post task changes in resting-state functional connectivity

Timeframe: Brain connectivity is measured during the MRI visit conducted at Baseline. rsFMRI scans are collected within 10 minutes before and after a motor task. FM-UE is assessed once at Baseline and once at the end of the five week enrollment period.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07666165

SponsorUniversity of Delaware

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2022-12-22

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Stroke trials