Effects of Two Different Kinds of Exercise on Stroke Rehabilitation
Cerebrovacular Accident, Paresis
About this trial
This is an observational trial for Cerebrovacular Accident focused on measuring Hemiparesis, Rehabilitation, Reaching, Interlimb Coupling, Cortical Excitability, Stroke
Eligibility Criteria
INCLUSION CRITERIA: Individuals with Chronic Stroke (n=40): We will include individuals at least 6 months post thromboembolic non-hemorrhagic hemispheric or hemorrhagic hemispheric lesion. We will select individuals who initially had severe hemiparesis but who recovered to the point of having moderate motor impairment. Individuals with moderate motor impairment will be defined by a Fugl-Meyer score of at least 30, and the inability to actively extend the paretic wrist and fingers at least 20 degrees. Assessment of severity of initial hemiparesis will be taken either from patient report or medical records. We would also like to study a smaller group (n=10) of individuals with mild motor impairment due to stroke. Individuals with mild motor impairment will be defined by an Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer score of 50 or greater (maximum score = 66), and the ability to actively extend the paretic wrist and fingers 20 degrees or more. We will also enroll 10 healthy volunteers. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Healthy Volunteers: History of alcohol or drug abuse or psychiatric illness, including depression. History of neurological disorder or disease, including epilepsy. History of orthopedic injury or disorder affecting the upper extremities. Less than 18 years of age. Have a pacemaker, implanted pumps or stimulators, or metal objects inside the eye or skull. Individuals with Chronic Stroke (Moderate and Mild Impairment Groups): Unable to perform the task (rapid forward reaching task) with the affected arm. History of alcohol or drug abuse or psychiatric illness, History of neurological disorder or disease, including epilepsy. History of orthopedic injury or disorder affecting the upper extremities. Less than 18 years of age. Cerebellar or brainstem lesions. Severe uncontrolled medical problems (e.g. cardiovascular disease, severe rheumatoid arthritis, arthritic joint deformity, active cancer or renal disease). Taking medications that act primarily on the central nervous system. Pregnancy - if MRI was not performed within the past 6 months and therefore needs to be attained. Serious cognitive deficits (defined as equivalent to a mini-mental state exam score of 23 or less) that would prevent their ability to give informed consent and/or perform the study tasks. Have a pacemaker, implanted pumps or stimulators, or metal objects inside the eye or skull.
Sites / Locations
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 9000 Rockville Pike