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Wearable device to improve arm movement after stroke

Plain-English translation of NCT03401762 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

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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 a wearable device called a myoelectric-computer interface (MCI) to help improve arm movement in people who have had a stroke. After a stroke, arm weakness often comes from more than just loss of strength—it also involves muscles not working together smoothly. The device works by giving you real-time feedback about how your muscles are activating, helping you learn to coordinate them better.

After stroke, abnormal muscle coordination patterns develop and make arm movement difficult. This treatment aims to help retrain your muscles to work together properly by giving you direct feedback, which could lead to better arm function and recovery.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have had a first-time stroke (either within the past 21 days for acute stroke, or at least 6 months ago for chronic stroke)
you have significant arm weakness that affects your shoulder and elbow movements
you can activate at least some of the muscles in your affected shoulder and elbow voluntarily
you are able to follow instructions and pay attention to a task on a computer screen
you speak English well enough to understand and follow commands

You likely don't qualify if…

you have moderate or severe cognitive difficulties that would prevent you from following the training instructions
you have vision problems (such as hemianopia) that prevent you from seeing a computer screen clearly
you have numbness, lack of feeling, or neglect in your affected arm
you have severe arm pain that would prevent you from participating for up to 90 minutes per day
you have recently started new treatments for muscle stiffness (spasticity) or are enrolled in another study focusing on your affected arm

What participation looks like

You would use the wearable MCI device at home over a study period. Depending on which group you're in, you might train with the device while doing simple muscle activation tasks, or while reaching for targets. Some participants will receive the real device that provides feedback about your muscle activation, while others will receive a sham (placebo) device for comparison. The study will measure how well the device helps improve your arm coordination and movement over time.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 1, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois