Active clinical trials for "Stroke"

The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of how different types of exercise can help people after a stroke. The investigators want to study if different types of exercise will improve the use of arm and hand function after a stroke.

Background: Hemiplegia is one of the main reasons why stroke survivors lose their walking and balancing ability. Many studies point out that cycling is an effective means for lower limb rehabilitation. However, during training, the unaffected limb may compensate for the affected one resulting in suboptimal rehabilitation. To address this issue, the investigators developed the virtual reality-cycling training system (VRCTS) which can acquire force and speed signals in real-time through a cycling module. The system then analyzes the acquired data and uses a 3D VR rehabilitation program to help patients to train their affected side. The aim of the study was to develop the VRCTS, verify its function and test system function on both normal subjects and stroke patients. Methods: In this system, the investigators designed a cycling device that is embedded with load cell and encoder sensors to detect cycling force and angle in real-time. A Cycling Graph User Interface Control and Data Recode System (Cycling CR System) was applied for signal analysis and feedback control. The investigators designed a 3D interactive VR rehabilitation program that can guide and train the users through visual feedback. Each user performed a pre-test to examine determine condition, left-right balance and other parameters, which allows the system to be customized.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the add load on non-paretic lower limb of individuals that suffer a stroke, while walking on a treadmill, is effective for restore gait symmetry of these individuals, in a subacute phase of stroke.

The investigators evaluate the effectiveness of the application of continuous passive motion device for hand rehabilitation in two classes of patients: with a residual active motion and without a residual active motion.

The purpose of this study is to assess the effects in improving life self-care ability of stroke patients after taking Tongxinluo Capsule(within 72 hours after onset) versus Placebos for 90 days.

The aim of this study is to determine whether noninvasive brain stimulation in form of active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) offers an additional benefit as compared with sham tDCS combined with CIMT in patients with stroke. Furthermore the purpose is to highlight changes in GABA activity more than 3 months after stroke and its importance for effect of tDCS and CIMT combined with tDCS.

Background: It is estimated that 50%-85% of individuals post stroke demonstrate sensory deficits. Sensory impairments are often overlooked in the therapeutic setting, although they lead to slower motor recovery. Working hypothesis: The overall goal of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a sensory discrimination reeducation oriented therapeutic program to the lower limb of stroke patients with sensory impairments. We assume that subjects to both groups will make progress, which will be more significant in the experimental group. Methods: Study population and design: Sixty individuals with chronic sensory impairment following a stroke will be recruited. Patients will be randomly assigned to sensory retraining treatment or to sensory stimulation treatment. Treatment will consist of ten 45 minute long intervention sessions, carried out within a 6 weeks period, and a home exercise program. The person conducting the assessments will be blind to the treatment allocation of the subjects. Outcome measures: The efficacy of the intervention will be determined in relation to the International Classification of Functionality (ICF) developed by the World Health Organization and will include assessments at the three domains defined by this model: 1. Body structure and function - determined by measures of the sensory capacity of the lower more affected limb; 2. Activities - determined by measures of balance and gait; 3. Participation - determined by measures of well-being and social reintegration. Two new outcome measures, for ankle and knee position sense and for texture discrimination of the foot, will be developed within this study. Data reliability measures on healthy population, and test - retest measures in post stroke population with be collected. Intervention: The experimental group will be treated by a perception learning oriented protocol for sensory reeducation, to improve identification, localization and discrimination of sensory stimuli, including electrical stimulation, texture and hardness discrimination and position sense training. The control group will receive the same stimuli without the attentive learning and discriminating component. Importance: Scientific proof and focused recommendations for a potent therapeutic method for the post-stroke population, allowing them better participation and quality of life. Key words: Stroke, sensory impairment, perceptual learning, lower limb, clinical trial.

The investigators anticipate this research will shed light on metric properties of outcome measures of pain and fatigue and the effects of the combined therapy for stroke patients. The overall findings will contribute to guide the choice of proper assessment tool and the development of effective rehabilitation programs.

The investigators will conduct a randomized controlled trial study to provide preliminary evidence of efficacy of exercise training or a complex mental and social activities program for improving cognitive function in older adults with chronic stroke, compared with a stretch and relaxation program.

This is an NIH Pilot Clinical Trial Grant designed to provide data to permit the rationale design of a subsequent efficacy study. The purpose of this project is to determine the potential benefit of amphetamine combined with physical therapy in enhancing motor recovery in patients admitted for inpatient rehabilitation between 10 and 30 days after hemispheric ischemic stroke. The study hypotheses are: 1, The addition of treatment with d-amphetamine will result in at least a 12.6 point improvement in the Fugl-Meyer motor score 3 months after stroke. 2, There will be no clinically significant increase in the frequency of serious adverse events associated with treatment with d-amphetamine which would preclude further testing.