Mechanisms of Upper-Extremity Motor Recovery in Post-stroke Hemiparesis
Cerebrovascular AccidentThe results of this study will provide sound, scientific evidence of physiologic mechanisms responsible for upper-extremity weakness; evidence of the processes involved in neuromuscular adaptation; and will elucidate the relationship between impairment and motor disability in post-stroke hemiparesis.
Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Gaming Therapy Versus CI Therapy for Upper Extremity Rehabilitation...
StrokeHemiparesisThe current proposal aims to conduct a multi-site randomized controlled trial comparing virtual-reality gaming delivery of Constraint Induced Movement therapy (CI therapy) with (1) traditional clinic-based CI therapy of equal total active therapy duration and (2) a control group equating the dose of in-person therapy. Individuals with chronic stroke will be randomized to one of four different interventions: (1) traditional clinic-based CI therapy (35 therapist/client contact hours), (2) therapist-as-consultant virtual reality CI therapy (5 therapist/client contact hours in the clinic and 15 hours of independent game play at home), (3) therapist-as-consultant virtual reality CI therapy with additional therapist contact via telerehabilitation (5 therapist/client contact hours in the clinic, 2.6 therapist contact hours via teleconference, and 15 hours of independent game play in the home), and (4) 5 hours of standard occupational therapy (OT) / physical therapy (PT). After 6-month follow-up, individuals assigned to standard OT/PT will cross over to a modified gaming therapy condition (a stand-alone application of the rehabilitation game without additional therapist contact).
Pivotal Study of VNS During Rehab After Stroke (VNS-REHAB)
Cerebrovascular StrokeUpper Extremity ParesisThis is a pivotal phase study of up to 120 subjects and 15 clinical sites. All subjects are implanted with the Vivistim System® and then randomized to either study treatment or active-control treatment. The randomization will be stratified by age (<30, >30) and baseline FMA UE (20 to <35; >35 to 50). Study treatment is vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) delivered during rehabilitation. Active control treatment is rehabilitation (standard-of-care treatment) with only a minimal amount of VNS at the start of each session intended to support blinding.
Hand Rehabilitation Using Botulinum Toxin and Functional Electrical Stimulation-pilot Study
StrokeSpastic Hemiparesis1 moreThe investigator tried to find out possibility of functional improvement using botulinum toxin injection targeting finger flexor spasticity with functional electrical stimulation among chronic stroke patients who did not show any improvement in hand function.
Cortical Enhancement of Posture, Movement Planning, and Execution of Upright Reaching Following...
StrokeUpper Extremity ParesisStroke is the leading cause of disability and diminished quality of living that frequently includes impairments of postural control and upper extremity (UE) function. The interaction of posture and UE coupling in terms of movement planning, initiation, and execution is not well understood. StartReact responses triggered by a loud acoustic stimulus (LAS) during the planning and preparation of goal intended actions has been used to probe the state of brainstem neuronal excitability related to posture and movement sequencing. The purpose of this study is to examine posture and goal-directed movement planning and execution using startReact responses and to evaluate posture and UE movement sequence during reaching while standing in individuals with chronic hemiparesis and healthy controls. Secondly, the investigators will determine the modulatory role of the cortical premotor areas (PMAs) in startReact responses in healthy controls and in persons with stroke by using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to up- or down-regulate PMAs excitability.
Intratympanic Steroid for Bell's Palsy
Bell's PalsyFacial Nerve ParesisFacial nerve paralysis is due to inflammation around the facial nerve. Current treatment for facial nerve paralysis is a 10 day course of oral steroids (which will reduce the inflammation), with electrodiagnostic testing. There have been limited studies on the use of intratympanic steroid injection, in addition to oral steroid, in the recovery of facial nerve paralysis. There are indications that the use of intratympanic injections, in addition to the oral steroids, will speed up the recovery rate of the facial nerve paralysis, as well as improve the complete recovery of the facial nerve paralysis. This study will randomize patients with facial nerve paralysis into two groups: 1) oral steroid only and 2) oral steroid plus a 3 intratympanic steroid injections spaced out over three weeks. There are a subset of patients that are unable to take oral steroids for medical reasons (such as diabetes); these patients will be placed into a third group and only receive 3 intratympanic steroid injections space out over three weeks. Subjects that are to receive the intratympanic injection will receive pre- and post-hearing exams as part of their standard of care. Patients will be evaluated via videorecording by two blinded investigators as well as in person evaluations by the unblinded treating physician. Subjects will be followed until complete facial nerve paralysis recovery or one year post-treatment, whichever comes first.
Visual Feedback Therapy for Treating Individuals With Hemiparesis Following Stroke
HemiparesisStrokeThe purpose of the study is to determine whether an existing treatment for problems that participants have with making movements after a stroke can be performed at home.
Effectiveness of the Neural Mobilization on Upper Limb Functionality in Patients With Acquired Brain...
Hemiplegia and HemiparesisAcquired Brain InjuryThe main objective: To determine changes in physiological and structural properties of upper limb muscles with spasticity in patients with acquired brain injury after applying neural mobilization improving their functional performance, their participation in society and quality of life. Hypothesis: Peripheral nerve mobilizations performed with neurodynamic techniques in upper limb in patients with acquired brain injury, generate changes at structural and physiological level, favoring the performance of daily life activities and improving the quality of life.
Attentional Focus Influence During Cranio-Cervical Flexion Test
Neck; AnomalyMuscle Weakness1 moreThe purpose of this study is to termine if a different attentional focus would alter the motor control in cervical muscles during the cranio-cervical test.
Clinical Algorithm for Post-Stroke Gait Training With C-Brace
Hemiparesis Due to StrokeHemiplegia Due to StrokeThe purpose of this study is to develop a clinical algorithmic-based evaluation and treatment approach for C-Brace for use by persons with hemiparesis or hemiplegia due to stroke.