Motor rECovery witH eArly imagiNg In STroke

Description

This study will contribute to the field of stroke rehabilitation research by expanding the investigator's understanding of the neural mechanisms responsible for the development and expression of abnormal flexion synergy, a primary movement impairment due to stroke. The study will longitudinally evaluate motor tract morphology and motor impairment/function in an attempt to develop early neuroimaging-based predictors of the development of flexion synergy and its impact on reaching and hand recovery (6 month). The study will utilize quantitative motor testing (kinematics and kinetics) to measure motor impairment and reaching and hand function. Both neuroimaging and quantitative motor testing will be conducted within 96 hours-, 2 weeks-, 3 months-, and 6 months-post stroke. The knowledge gained by this study will provide crucial structural and functional neuroimaging evidence that demonstrates the timeline of progressive ipsi- and contralesional motor pathway (including bulbospinal pathways) changes and the associated development of flexion synergy that grossly impacts reaching and hand function in individuals with moderate to severe stroke.

Conditions

Stroke

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

This study will contribute to the field of stroke rehabilitation research by expanding the investigator's understanding of the neural mechanisms responsible for the development and expression of abnormal flexion synergy, a primary movement impairment due to stroke. The study will longitudinally evaluate motor tract morphology and motor impairment/function in an attempt to develop early neuroimaging-based predictors of the development of flexion synergy and its impact on reaching and hand recovery (6 month). The study will utilize quantitative motor testing (kinematics and kinetics) to measure motor impairment and reaching and hand function. Both neuroimaging and quantitative motor testing will be conducted within 96 hours-, 2 weeks-, 3 months-, and 6 months-post stroke. The knowledge gained by this study will provide crucial structural and functional neuroimaging evidence that demonstrates the timeline of progressive ipsi- and contralesional motor pathway (including bulbospinal pathways) changes and the associated development of flexion synergy that grossly impacts reaching and hand function in individuals with moderate to severe stroke.

MECHANIST: Motor rECovery witH eArly imagiNg In STroke

Motor rECovery witH eArly imagiNg In STroke

Condition
Stroke
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Chicago

Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60611

Chicago

Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60611

Chicago

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60611

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1. Stroke within the middle cerebral artery distribution based on brain MRI done within 48 hours of admission
  • 2. 18 to 85 years old
  • 3. Isolated motor deficits (hemiparesis) without significant aphasia, visual disturbances, or neglect based on the following scores on the NIH Stroke Scale: 1a (level of consciousness) = 0- Alert; keenly responsive. 1b (LOC questions) = 0- Asked month and age; Answers both correctly. 1c (LOC commands) = 0- Asked to open/close eyes, grasp/release hand; Performs both correctly. 2 (Best Gaze) = 0- Horizontal eye movements; Normal. 5 (Motor Arm) = 1, 2, 3, or 4- Arm placed at 90 (sitting) or 45 (supine), Drift, Some effort, No effort against gravity, or No movement. 7 (Limb Ataxia) = 0- Finger-nose-finger or heel-shin test; Absent. 8 (Sensory) = 0 or 1- Pin prick; Normal or Mild-to-moderate sensory loss. 9 (Best Language) = 0 or 1- Describe picture; No or Mild-to-moderate Aphasia. 11 (Extinction and Inattention) = 0 or 1- No abnormality or Inattention to one modality.
  • 1. Premorbid disability or sensorimotor impairment
  • 2. Comorbidity medically contraindicating the administration of subsequent MRI scanning and motor assessments
  • 3. Pain or hypersensitivity limiting motor assessment
  • 4. Limb edema limiting motor assessment

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 85 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Northwestern University,

Julius PA Dewald, PT, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Northwestern University

Study Record Dates

2025-05