NCT07792655 · University of Michigan
Telerehabilitation for Post-Stroke Hand Function
What this study is about
This pilot randomly assigned controlled trial will evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of a home-based, technology-enabled hand telerehabilitation program for adults with chronic stroke. Participants will receive either remotely guided hand training or a standard home exercise program matched for duration and intensity.
View original scientific description
This pilot randomized controlled trial will evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of a home-based, technology-enabled hand telerehabilitation program for adults with chronic stroke. Participants will receive either remotely guided hand training or a standard home exercise program matched for duration and intensity. Outcomes will include measures of hand function, adherence, and feasibility to assess the potential of telerehabilitation for improving access to structured post-stroke hand rehabilitation.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Technology-Supported Hand Training
Participants will undergo a remotely delivered, technology-supported hand training program that involves guided hand activities. These activities will target finger coordination, finger individuation, and performance in activities of daily living. Participants may interact with virtual or real passive items to supplement program activities. Activities will be guided remotely by a study team member using video conferencing.
BEHAVIORAL
Pamphlet-Supported Hand Activity
Participants will follow a home advice plan to improve hand function. The plan will be created based on the participant's ability and typical occupational therapy guidance. Activities may resemble typical hand rehabilitation activities performed in a therapy clinic and may involve passive items to supplement program activities. Participants will record their adherence to the program.
Primary outcome measures
Hand Spread
Time frame: Pre-intervention (an average of up to 1 week before the first intervention session) and post-intervention (an average of up to 1 week after completion of the 6-week intervention)
Change in voluntary ability to open the more-impaired hand from before the intervention (pre-intervention) to after the intervention (post-intervention). Hand spread will be measured with motion capture equipment. Hand Spread values range from 0 to no upper limit, with a greater value indicating improved voluntary hand opening ability
Box and Block Test Score
Time frame: Pre-intervention (an average of up to 1 week before the first intervention session) and post-intervention (an average of up to 1 week after completion of the 6-week intervention)
Change in a measure of arm ability from before the intervention (pre-intervention) to after its completion (post-intervention) using publicly available scoring sheets. The Box and Block test is scored based on how many blocks a patient can move between two adjacent boxes in 1 minute with their more-impaired hand. Box and Block scores range from 0 to no upper limit, with a higher score indicating greater arm ability
Stroke Impact Scale-Hand Score
Time frame: Pre-intervention (an average of up to 1 week before the first intervention session) and post-intervention (an average of up to 1 week after completion of the 6-week intervention)
Change in the hand function component of the Stroke Impact Scale, a participant-reported measure of hand participation in daily life from before the intervention (pre-intervention) to after its completion using publicly available scoring sheets. Stroke Impact Scale-Hand Scores can range from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating better self-reported hand function in daily life.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Unilateral cortical or subcortical stroke
- Chronic stroke (≥ 6 months since stroke)
- No significant cognitive deficits as determined by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score (score≥ 22)
Exclusion criteria
- Cerebellar stroke
- Unstable heart condition, uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension
- Recent trauma or fracture in the upper extremities
- History of significant orthopedic or neurological conditions that could affect hand function (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
- Recent history of significant spatial neglect
- Joint contractures or significant spasticity in the hand
- History of a recent Botulinum Toxin (Botox) injection to the upper-extremity muscles (≤ 3 months)
- Pregnant or actively planning to become pregnant (self-reported)
- Inability to communicate or unable to consent Exclusion Criteria for subjects exposed to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS):
- Unable to obtain reliable motor evoked potentials
- Recent history of repeated fainting spells or syncope.
- Recent history of seizure while on anti-seizure medication
- Recent history of skull fracture/head injury
- Ferromagnetic metal implants in the skull
- Cochlear implant
- Implanted deep brain stimulator
- Implanted vagus nerve stimulator
- Implanted cervical spine epidural stimulator
- Ventriculoperitoneal shunt
- Skull defect related to the current stroke
- Previous serious adverse reaction to TMS
- Implanted electronic cardiac device (e.g., cardiac pacemaker)
Where
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
Collaborators
American Heart Association
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 28, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations