NCT07218276

Passive Robots for Stroke Rehabilitation: A Feasibility Study

Passive Robots for Stroke Rehabilitation

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 4 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Michigan · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 75 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel, multimodal approach that combines passive devices with noninvasive neuromuscular stimulation for upper extremity rehabilitation after stroke.

Detailed description

About 800,000 individuals suffer from a stroke every year in the United States. The majority of stroke survivors often experience lingering deficits in upper extremity function. High-end robotic devices can improve outcomes and clinical productivity; however, these devices are expensive and bulky, making them not practical for many clinical or home environments. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of low-cost non-motorized devices for stroke rehabilitation in a long-term intervention. The intervention will involve training with a table-top, semi-passive (i.e., no motors) exercise equipment called SepaRRo and commonly-used neuromuscular stimulation. The stimulation will be provided during functional activities using a custom controller (NeuRRoFES) to trigger stimulation. These instruments are designed to provide flexible, compliant assistance/resistance to improve upper extremity function and can be used in a home setting. The study will measure technical feasibility (e.g., qualitative survey, adherence, time on task, retention, ability to perform tasks) as well as clinical feasibility (i.e., changes in biomechanical, neurophysiological, and functional measures) of an intervention with these devices in stroke survivors. The findings aim to support the development of affordable, home-use rehabilitation systems for stroke patients.

Conditions

• Stroke

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Functional Training with SepaRRo and NeuRRoFES	Participants will perform functional movements (e.g., reach for targets) with their extremities. During movements, the devices will be used to assist or resist their motion. Participants may receive biofeedback of their movements to better engage them in training. Participants may receive assistance from the devices (including neuromuscular stimulation) and/or their less-impaired limb.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-11-05
• Primary completion: 2027-10-01
• Completion: 2027-10-01
• First posted: 2025-10-20
• Last updated: 2025-11-10

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States