Recruiting

Relearning Arm Exercises With or Without Electrical Stimulation After Stroke

Plain-English translation of NCT07720622 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 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?

After a stroke, regaining arm function is one of the hardest parts of recovery. This trial is testing whether combining a structured arm retraining program with electrical muscle stimulation (EMS)—a technique that uses gentle electrical currents to activate muscles—helps people recover arm strength and function better than retraining alone. Half of the participants will receive the arm exercises with electrical stimulation, and half will receive the same exercises without it.

Many stroke survivors struggle to regain full use of their arms, which affects their independence and quality of life. While arm retraining exercises help, researchers believe adding electrical muscle stimulation might boost recovery by helping muscles activate and respond better during practice.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 40 and 65 years old
you have been diagnosed with a subacute stroke (recent stroke, still in early recovery phase) by a neurologist
you have moderate arm weakness that affects your ability to move and function
you can sit upright for at least 30 seconds without using your arms to support yourself
you do not have severe muscle stiffness in your affected arm

You likely don't qualify if…

you have significant cognitive problems or memory loss
you have bone, joint, or muscle problems separate from the stroke
you have a severe heart condition
you have perceptual or sensory disorders that would prevent you from participating safely

What participation looks like

You will come to the hospital 5 days a week for 6 weeks, with each session lasting about 1 hour. During each session, you'll practice meaningful arm activities like opening containers, lifting a glass, turning door handles, and arranging puzzles. If you're in the group receiving electrical stimulation, small electrode pads will be placed on your arm muscles for about 10 minutes during each session to help activate those muscles while you practice. The exercises will gradually become more challenging as your strength and control improve.

Relearning Arm Exercises With or Without Electrical Stimulation After Stroke

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)