Study of Hand Weakness After Stroke

STUDY BASICS

Do you have hand weakness from a stroke? Did the stroke occur at least 6 months ago, and was it your first stroke? Are you 18-75 years old? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help learn more about the connections between the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles of the body. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Nearly 800,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year, and more than half experience long-term hand weakness that makes it difficult to do daily tasks. While physical therapy can help restore hand function for some stroke survivors, most of these stroke survivors do not recover full use of their hands. The purpose of this study is to understand how connections between the brain and spinal cord are changed after stroke in order to develop repair strategies that improve hand function. Researchers hope their findings will lead to better rehabilitation methods for people who have had a stroke.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Ages 18-75
• First stroke at least 6 months ago
• Hand weakness due to stroke
• No history of seizure or epilepsy
• No metallic brain implants
• Not pregnant

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participation involves an initial phone call and visit to be sure you are eligible to participate in the study. If eligible after screening, participants will provide a medical history, answer questionnaires, and undergo non-invasive stimulation. Participants may complete a maximum of 20 sessions. Each session lasts approximately 3 hours.