Tizanidine for Movement Control After Stroke
This study is looking at how a medication called Tizanidine (Zanaflex®) affects arm movement in people who have had a stroke. Tizanidine is already approved to help with muscle stiffness (spasticity). Researchers want to understand how Tizanidine changes arm movements, eye responses, and brain activity. You might be able to join if you are between 18 and 80 years old, had a stroke at least six months ago that affected one side of your body, and still have some arm weakness but can move your arm a little. The study will measure things like how high you can lift your arm, how your brain and muscles work together, and how far you can reach. Understanding these changes could help improve rehabilitation for stroke survivors.
- Study design
- This is a randomized, double-blind study with 64 participants. You will receive both Tizanidine and a placebo (an inactive substance) at different times.
- What's involved
- You will have one brain MRI and participate in 6 arm/hand experiments on separate days, at least one week apart. During each experiment, you will complete tasks before and 1.5 hours after taking either Tizanidine or the placebo.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- Measurements are taken before and 1.5 hours after medication administration during each experimental session.
AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.
Effect of Neural Constraints on Movement in Stroke
At a glance
Conditions
NCT06666673
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.
Northwestern University, Dept. of PTHMS 645 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1100
Chicago, Illinoisstudy 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.
Study leadership
- Julius Dewald, DPT, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Northwestern University
- Jun Yao, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Northwestern University
Who to contact
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Inclusion
Exclusion
What this trial measures
- Brace HeightBefore and 1.5 hours after administration of TIZ
Brace height quantifies the amplification in motor unit discharge rate generated by PICs. Brace height is sensitive to the level of neuromodulatory drive received by motoneurons.
- Cortico-muscular-coherence in beta bandBefore and 1.5 hours after administration of TIZ
Cortico-muscular coherence (CMC) is a commonly used method to measure the synchronized activity between cortex and muscles. Specifically, betaband CMC has been reported to be linked to the use of corticospinal tract.
- Difference in reaching distance under shoulder abduction loadBefore and 1.5 hours after administration of TIZ
The difference in reaching distance under shoulder abduction (SABD) load measures the strength of flexion synergy.
- Reflexive electromyograph activity prior to movementBefore and 1.5 hours after administration of TIZ
Reflexive electromyograph (EMG) activity will be calculated as the difference between perturbation-induced EMG amplitude and baseline EMG, averaged during three-time windows 1) before the perturbation -100- 0 ms pre-perturbation; 2) 25 - 75 ms (shortlatency stretch reflex) and 2) 75 - 125 ms (long latency stretch reflex) after the perturbation onset. Perturbations occur at rest before the onset of a regular ballistic reaching trial. EMG is then normalized by the maximal EMG of the corresponding muscle.