Closed by sponsor

This study aims to assess whether the NeuroLutions Upper Extremity Rehabilitation System (known as IpsiHand) will help stroke patients regain strength and functional movements in their arm. The IpsiHand system involves using a hand robotic device that is controlled by brain waves, known as a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI). By using the device, participants will be harnessing brainwaves from the side of their brain not affected by stroke to control the robotic device on the hand that is weaker from the stroke.

This trial aims to assess the effectiveness of the NeuroLutions Upper Extremity Rehabilitation System, known as IpsiHand, on functional motor recovery and neuroplasticity for chronic stroke survivors with hemiparesis (N=27). The IpsiHand system involves a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) as a control for a robotic hand orthosis. Participants will complete 16-32 weeks of home therapy with the IpsiHand system.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of stroke(s), with most recent stroke at least 6 months prior to study start (can be ischemic or hemorrhagic)

• PROM: Full extension of digits 2 and 3 at MPs, PIPs, and DIPs

• English speaking

• Intact cognition to provide informed consent

• Intact language skills to comprehend and follow directions

• Experiencing difficulty performing ADLs with affected upper limb

• Upper extremity Botox allowable, but not required

  • Botox users must continue regimen at regular intervals for duration of study
  • Botox users will provide clinic note for each injection (date, dose, and muscle location)
  • Botox + Study Schedule

• At study initiation, Botox injection will occur between 3-7 days prior to baseline measurement and initiation of device use

• Repeat Botox injections must be completed at least 3 days prior to any administration of the outcome measures

Exclusion Criteria:

• Concurrent participation in another study
• Co-morbid orthopedic condition/pain limiting functional use of the impaired upper limb
• History of neurological disorder other than stroke
• Botox user unable to comply with above noted requirements
• Ongoing physical or occupational therapy addressing the upper limb
• Ongoing electric stimulation or other rehabilitative devices (e.g. robotics, virtual reality) to upper limb
• Cognitive impairment: Short Blessed Test Score 9
• Significant spasticity: Modified Ashworth Scale score 3 at the elbow
• Significant hemispatial neglect: Mesulam Cancellation Test 3 unilaterally
• Insufficient Strength: Motricity Index score for shoulder abduction 18
• Significantly impaired sensation of impaired upper limb: National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale - Item 8 (Sensory) score of 2
• History of cranioplasty
• History of seizure disorder
• No changes to usual exercises, splint use, or oral baclofen/anti-spasticity medication use during trial

An occupational therapist independent to the study will review and score 2 outcome measures (Fugl-Meyer and Action Research Arm Test). The study coordinator will randomize the order of the videos for each participant, so that the outcome assessor will not know which time point they are scoring. In other words, the video-outcome assessor will be blinded to the order of the assessments as they are scoring them but will not be blinded to the intervention as all participants will be receiving the same intervention.