Topic: Stroke Research Network
Conditions
Interventions
Physical therapy (physiotherapy):
The protocol for physical therapy has been developed in collaboration with the therapy services department at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. I
Sponsors
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UK)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. History of a single ischaemic stroke, initially affecting the hand 2. Minimum interval since stroke onset one year (no upper limit) 3. Residual impairments of hand function (strength and/or dexterity) 4. Some degree of hand movement defined as present wrist extension (>=20%) and ability to grasp 5. Capable of giving informed consent 6. Aged 18 - 80 years, either sex
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Intracerebral hemorrhage 2. Large ischaemic lesions involving almost the whole MCA territory 3. Significant tone problems in the hand (greater than 2 in the Ashworth Scale) 4. Severe cognitive impairment defined as mini-mental state examination (MMSE) less than 20 5. Residual aphasia or visual field defect (greater than or equal to 2 in the relative item of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS]) 6. Past or current history of other neurological or psychiatric disease including epilepsy, previous or recurrent stroke and peripheral neuropathy 7. Major systemic illness 8. Use of anticonvulsant, psychotropic or sedative or medication 9. Excessive use of alcohol or other substances 10. Accepted contraindications for TMS (presence of metal in the head (excluding the mouth), intracardiac lines, cardiac pacemakers)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Action Research Arm Test, measured at initial assessment, 2 day post-intervention follow-up, 1 month follow-up and 3 month follow-up. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Electrophysiological measures of corticospinal excitability, intracortical interactions and interhemispheric balance, measured at initial assessment, 2 day post-intervention follow-up, 1 month follow-up and 3 month follow-up 2. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Measurement of motor and sensory related brain activation only performed at initial and two day post intervention follow-up | — |
Countries
Italy, United Kingdom
Outcome results
None listed