Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation for Stroke Patients

This study is testing if transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (TESS) can help improve arm and hand movement in people who have had a stroke and experience weakness on one side of their body (upper limb hemiparesis). You would receive either TESS or a "sham" (fake) TESS, along with task-specific training activities like picking up objects. Researchers will measure your arm and hand function using tests like the Fugl-Meyer Test, Modified Ashworth Scale, and grip strength. To join, you must be at least 18 years old, have had a stroke at least 6 months ago, and have some arm weakness. The study aims to enroll 14 participants, but its current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 14 participants. It compares two groups: one receiving Transcutaneous Electrical Spinal Cord Stimulation (TESS) plus task-specific training, and another receiving Sham TESS plus task-specific training.
What's involved
You would participate in 15 treatment sessions. Your arm and hand function will be evaluated at the beginning, after the treatment sessions, and again 8 weeks later.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your progress will be followed for 8 weeks after the intervention, with a final evaluation at Week 15.

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

NCT06950593

Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation for Stroke Patients

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
~14 participants
Updated 2025-08-12 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Task Specific Training (TST)Transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (TESS)Sham transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (Sham TESS)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Fugl-Meyer Test of Upper Extremity Function (FMUE)
Measured over Session 1 (Week 1): Baseline Evaluation, Session 18 (Week 7): Post-intervention Evaluation, Session 20 (Week 15): Follow-up Evaluation
+4 more outcomes measured
Upper Limb Hemiparesis Following Stroke

NCT06950593

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.

  • Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

    Chicago, Illinoisno site contact published

    Recruiting

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

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

18 years or older
able and willing to give written consent and comply with study procedures
at least 6 months post-stroke
hemiplegia secondary to stroke
UE Fugle Meyer Assessment \<35
not currently receiving regular occupational therapy services
participant has received clearance from physician to participate in study
participant has at least a rudimentary comprehension of English

Exclusion

botox injection in upper extremity within the last 4 months
modified ashworth score of 4 in any joint of the affected limb
pregnant or nursing
using a powered, implanted cardiac device for monitoring or support of heart function (i.e. pacemaker, defibrillator, or LVAD), or anti-spasticity implantable pumps, or cochlear implants
unhealed bone fractures
severe contractures in the upper extremities
active cancer or cancer remission less than 5 years
orthopedic dysfunction, injury, or surgery that would impact the individual's ability to use the upper extremities
recent procedure or operation of the spinal cord within the past year
traumatic brain injury or neurological conditions that would impact the study
skull fracture that has developed within the past 6 months
non-English speakers
  • Fugl-Meyer Test of Upper Extremity Function (FMUE)Session 1 (Week 1): Baseline Evaluation, Session 18 (Week 7): Post-intervention Evaluation, Session 20 (Week 15): Follow-up Evaluation

    The FMUE is an impairment scale that addresses both synergy and isolated movements of the upper limb. The subscales include reflex movements, flexor synergy, extensor synergy, movements out of synergy, combining synergies, wrist, hand, and coordination subscales. The total score ranges from 0 to 66 with higher scores indicating greater function.

  • Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)Session 1 (Week 1): Baseline Evaluation, Session 18 (Week 7): Post-intervention Evaluation, Session 20 (Week 15): Follow-up Evaluation

    The MAS is a test of muscle spasticity and increases in muscle tone. The scores range from 0-4 for each test item, depending on the increase in muscle tone when completing quick movement, or resting muscle tone.

  • Grip StrengthSession 1 (Week 1): Baseline Evaluation, Session 18 (Week 7): Post-intervention Evaluation, Session 20 (Week 15): Follow-up Evaluation

    Grip strength will be an outcome measure measured via the Jamar Dynamometer. The procedure will consist of 3 tests of maximum grip strength force. Participants will be given \~30 seconds to 1 minute of rest time for each hand in between tests. The individual will maintain \~90 degrees of elbow flexion, 0 degrees of shoulder flexion, and a neutral wrist position while completing the testing.

  • Chedoke Arm & Hand Activity Index (CAHAI-9)Session 1 (Week 1): Baseline Evaluation, Session 18 (Week 7): Post-intervention Evaluation, Session 20 (Week 15): Follow-up Evaluation

    The CAHAI 9 is a test of bimanual function. There are nine activities including opening a jar, pouring water, drawing a line with a ruler, buttoning a shirt, using the telephone, wringing out a washcloth, applying toothpaste to a toothbrush, cutting food, and drying one's back with a bath towel. The scale ranges from 1 to 7 for each test item and are graded by the amount of use of the affected hand.

  • Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM)Session 1 (Week 1): Baseline Evaluation, Session 18 (Week 7): Post-intervention Evaluation, Session 20 (Week 15): Follow-up Evaluation

    The COPM is a patient-reported outcome measure in which the participant will be asked to rate their ability to perform tasks of everyday living. Specifically, the assessment asks participants to identify tasks that they find value in completing, rank their priority, and rank their ability to perform them.