Transfer of Grasp Control Across Hands After Stroke

Stroke With Hemiparesis Clinical Trial

Official title: Interhemispheric Transfer of Grasp Control After Stroke

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The purpose of this study is to examine if the strong hand can assist in the recovery of muscle function in the weak hand after a stroke.

Clinical Trial Description

Hemiparesis is the most common motor impairment after stroke. Persistent deficits in the distal upper extremity lead to impaired hand function and disability in Activities of Daily Living, accruing enormous costs in terms of health care services and lost productivity. The mechanisms of recovery of hand motor function after stroke are poorly understood, and the protocols used in clinical practice lack a solid scientific rationale. Prior work has shown that grasping with the non-involved hand may assist in planning of grasp with the involved hand after stroke. The goal of the proposed project is to investigate the type and nature of information relayed across the hemispheres by prior manipulation with the non-involved hand to improve planning and control of grasp with the involved hand. Psychophysical methods using a grip instrument will be used to examine the type of information necessary for planning of grasp, and quantitative surface electromyography will be used to investigate the contribution of improved planning to neuromuscular control of grasp. Integration of these methods in the study of grasp control will clarify the neural mechanisms underlying hand dysfunction, and facilitate the development of rational therapeutic protocols for upper extremity rehabilitation after stroke. ;

Study Design

Observational Model: Case Control, Time Perspective: Cross-Sectional

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Stroke
• Stroke With Hemiparesis

• NCT number: NCT00589368
• Study type: Observational
• Source: New York University School of Medicine
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: May 2006
• Completion date: May 2012