Inclusion Criteria:  first-time unilateral stroke survivors with less than 3 months since onset with upper extremity hemiplegia/hemiparesis over the age of 18  Exclusion Criteria:  Participants who have comorbidities impacting motor function (Parkinson's, congenital disorders) or contraindications for NMES (seizure disorders, uncontrolled cardiac conditions, cancer, pacemaker, significant sensory deficits, contractures, pregnancy, unhealed fractures, or a cerebellar stroke), and who are unable to follow two-step commands