Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation for Stroke Patients
Upper Limb Function Following Transcutaneous Electrical Spinal Cord Stimulation in Individuals With Hemiplegic Stroke
Who can join
Ages 18 and older · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 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 Criteria: * 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
About the study
This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and impact of transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the spinal cord (TESS) on the recovery of post-stroke individuals who have upper limb hemiparesis. It will compare outcomes measures between individuals who receive upper limb task specific training with TESS and individuals who receive task specific training of the upper limb with Sham, or fake, TESS.
What is being tested
- Task Specific Training (TST) (other)
- Transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (TESS) (other)
- Sham transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (Sham TESS) (other)
Sponsor: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · Participants: 14 · Started: Aug 18, 2025
Contact the study team
- Mary Ellen Stoykov, PhD, OT · Phone: 773-704-2422
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06950593
Locations in the U.S.
| Illinois | Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.