Recruiting

Using Touch Feedback to Improve Arm Control After Stroke

Plain-English translation of NCT03298243 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated September 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Read our Stroke research guide →

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This study is testing whether stroke survivors can improve control of their affected arm by using a special vibrating device that gives them feedback about their arm movements. The device provides sensory cues—delivered through vibrations on the skin—to help guide reaching and grasping movements. Researchers want to see if this supplemental feedback helps people relearn motor skills and whether those skills carry over to everyday activities like reaching for a glass of water.

After a stroke, many people lose the ability to sense where their arm is in space and have difficulty controlling it. This trial is testing whether adding touch-based feedback can help restore arm control and enable people to perform everyday reaching and grasping tasks more independently.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are a stroke survivor at least 6 months past your stroke
you have mild to moderate weakness in your arm, as measured by standard tests
you have lost some ability to sense where your arm is positioned
you can still feel touch sensations in your other arm or leg
you have at least minimal wrist movement and can follow two-step instructions

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a bleeding disorder or are currently taking medications that interfere with nerve and muscle function
you have a history of epilepsy or certain psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia
you have a cardiac pacemaker, heart rhythm problems, or significant heart or lung disease
you have severe muscle weakness or shrinkage in your arm, or a fixed contracture
you have a systemic infection or other medical condition that would prevent you from participating safely

What participation looks like

You would visit the study site for 3 baseline testing days, then return for 20 consecutive training sessions over about 3 weeks. On your first visit, you'll complete cognitive and memory tests. On your second visit, researchers will assess your arm strength and sensation using standard clinical tests and a robotic device. Starting on day 3, you'll practice reaching and grasping movements while wearing a vibrating device that guides your arm—either progressing from simple to complex tasks, or practicing only the more complex movements, depending on which group you're assigned to. Each session involves hands-on testing and training with the vibrotactile feedback device.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 16, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin