BreEStim for Motor Recovery in Chronic Stroke

This study is looking at a new treatment called BreEStim, which uses breathing-controlled electrical stimulation, to help people who have had a stroke. It aims to reduce stiffness (spasticity) in finger muscles and improve hand function. You might be able to join if you are 18 to 75 years old, had a stroke at least six months ago, and have some finger stiffness. The study will compare BreEStim to standard electrical stimulation (EStim). Researchers will measure changes in your finger stiffness after about three weeks of treatment to see how well the treatments work. The study is currently unclear on its recruitment status and plans to enroll 4 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study, meaning participants will receive a specific treatment. It is a pilot study, which typically involves a small number of participants.
What's involved
You would receive BreEStim or EStim for 10 to 20 minutes per session over multiple sessions. Your finger stiffness will be measured at the start, and again after about 10 sessions (around 3 weeks).
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your finger stiffness will be measured after about 10 intervention sessions, which is approximately 3 weeks after starting treatment.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT04752319

BreEStim for Motor Recovery in Chronic Stroke With Moderate Impairment After a Long-term Use (Pilot).

Recruiting
NAAges 18–75InterventionalTreatment
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
~4 participants
Updated 2026-06-03 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:BreEStimEStim

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in finger flexor spasticity measured by Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)
Measured over Baseline, after 10 intervention sessions, about 3 weeks
Motor Recovery

NCT04752319

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • The University of Texas Health Science Center

    Houston, Texasstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

  • Sheng Li, MD, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Texas

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

has post stroke ≥ 6 months , medically stable;
Unilateral, single stroke (no restriction on type (ischemic or hemorrhagic) or volume (large or small) of stroke);
MAS score ≥ 1, i.e., detectable finger flexor hypertonia;

Exclusion

Patients with visual deficit/neglect; hearing or cognitive impairment;
Patients with history of pulmonary disease (Asthma, chronic obstruction pulmonary disease, COPD);
Patients that are currently adjusting tone alternating medications (e.g., baclofen), or
Patients received botulinum toxin injection to the arm/fingers \<4 months, or phenol injections \< 2 years;
Patients with a pacemaker;
Women who are pregnant.
  • Change in finger flexor spasticity measured by Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)Baseline, after 10 intervention sessions, about 3 weeks

    MAS will be performed to check changes of finger flexor spasticity after one session of treatment. The Modified Ashworth scale (MAS) scoring is categorical and ranges from 0 to 4, as follows: 0: No increase in muscle tone 1. Slight increase in muscle tone, manifested by a catch and release or by minimal resistance at the end of the range of motion when the affected part(s) is moved in flexion or extension 1+: Slight increase in muscle tone, manifested by a catch, followed by minimal resistance throughout the remainder (less than half) of the range of motion (ROM) 2. More marked increase in muscle tone through most of the ROM, but affected part(s) easily moved 3. Considerable increase in muscle tone, passive movement difficult 4. Affected part(s) rigid in flexion or extension