Exoskeletal Support in Stroke

A Pilot Proof of Concept, Single Site Study to Assess the Effect of Exoskeletal Support on Motor Control Strategies in Individuals With Stroke

This interventional study will measure motor performance, including 3D movement analysis and muscle activity, in response to exoskeleton assistance. The cohort design will compare stroke patients to healthy controls. Data collection will be conducted in a single, 2-hour session. Investigators will also access stroke patients' brain MRIs that were obtained as standard of care during acute admission for stroke.

Inclusion Criteria:

Healthy controls:

• Having obtained the age of 18 years
• Neurologically healthy (i.e., no history of: traumatic brain injury, peripheral neuropathy, seizures, etc.)
• Strongly right-handed according to at least 80% score on the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (Oldfield, 1971; Veale, 2013). The use of right-handed participants is a common feature in this field of study. This is due to the slight differences in arm control between left- and right-handed individuals (Sainburg & Kalakanis, 2000).
• Ability to give informed consent

Survivors of stroke:

• Having obtained the age of 18 years
• have a diagnosis of stroke more than six months prior to entry into the study;
• have the ability to reach, unsupported, to approximately 70% of arm length
• ability to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

All participants

• have any conditions that limit their capability of using a Head Mounted Display (HMD) for a VR environment or cooperate with the protocol.
• have any orthopedic injuries to the upper extremities.
• Have neurological injuries other than stroke.
• Have excessive pain in any joint of either arm that could limit the ability to cooperate with the protocols.
• Visuospatial neglect
• Apraxia
• Global inattention
• Legal blindness