Recruiting

Brain Stimulation to Help Restore Arm Movement After Stroke

Plain-English translation of NCT06506279 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2026 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

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 research study is testing a new approach to help stroke survivors recover arm and hand movement. Researchers will surgically implant a small device that stimulates specific areas of the brain to encourage it to rewire itself and regain lost motor function. The goal is to help people use their affected arm more effectively in daily life.

Most stroke survivors experience lasting weakness or loss of function in their arm and hand, which greatly reduces their quality of life and independence. Current treatments only help some patients, so this trial is exploring whether brain stimulation can unlock the brain's natural ability to heal and restore movement.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 22 and 75 years old
you had an ischemic stroke at least 6 months ago with ongoing weakness in your upper arm or hand
your arm function is at a moderate level of impairment (not completely paralyzed, but with significant limitations)
you have some preserved nerve pathways from your brain to your arm, as shown on MRI imaging
you are willing to participate in rehabilitation exercises and commit to multiple study visits over 54 weeks

You likely don't qualify if…

you are currently taking blood-thinning medications that cannot be safely stopped
you have a history of seizures or significant depression
you have another implanted device, such as a pacemaker or cochlear implant
you have cognitive or language problems severe enough that you cannot understand study instructions or communicate about pain and discomfort
you require ongoing physical or occupational therapy beyond what the study provides

What participation looks like

You would undergo a surgical procedure to have a small brain stimulation device implanted in your skull over the motor cortex (the part of your brain that controls movement). For 38 weeks after surgery, the device would be active while you participate in supervised rehabilitation sessions focused on recovering arm movement. After 38 weeks, the device would be surgically removed, and you would be followed for an additional 16 weeks to track your progress. Throughout the study, you would attend multiple clinic visits for testing, rehabilitation exercises, and monitoring.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 15, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

University of Washington, Seattle, Washington