Influence of Timing on Motor Learning

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this research study is to compare different methods for training hand movement at home after stroke. This study involves research because it will test two experimental devices, the MusicGlove and the Resonating Arm Exerciser (RAE), compared to conventional hand and arm exercises. The MusicGlove is a glove that measures finger movements and allows its user to play a musical computer game using those movements. The RAE is a lever that attaches to a manual wheelchair with elastic bands and can be pushed back and forth to exercise the arm.

Detailed Description
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The purpose of this research study is to compare different methods for training hand movement at home after stroke. This study involves research because it will test two experimental devices, the MusicGlove and the Resonating Arm Exerciser (RAE), compared to conventional hand and arm exercises. The MusicGlove is a glove that measures finger movements and allows its user to play a musical computer game using those movements. The RAE is a lever that attaches to a manual wheelchair with elastic bands and can be pushed back and forth to exercise the arm.

Official Title
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Influence of Timing on Motor Learning

Conditions
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Cerebrovascular Accident

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Conventional hand exercise
* Device: MusicGlove
* Other: Conventional Arm Exercise
* Device: Resonating Arm Exerciser


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Age 18 to 80 years of age Sustained a single stroke affecting the arm, at least three months prior to enrollment Minimal to moderate lost motor control of the arm after stroke No active major psychiatric problems, or neurological/orthopedic problems affecting the stroke-affected upper extremity No active major neurological disease other than the stroke Absence of pain in the stroke-affected upper extremity Exclusion Criteria: Severe tone at the affected upper extremity Severe aphasia Severe reduced level of consciousness Severe sensory/proprioception deficit at the affected upper extremity Currently pregnant Difficulty in understanding or complying with instructions Inability to perform the experimental task that will be studied Increased pain with movement of the stroke-affected upper extremity

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: MusicGlove Group<br>Subject participates in 3 weeks of exercising with the experimental device: MusicGlove at a minimum of 3 days per week, 1 hour per day with the exercise program | Device: MusicGlove<br>* The MusicGlove is a glove that detects different grip types. Subjects play a musical game by completing different grips.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Control Group for Music Glove<br>Subject participates in 3 weeks of conventional hand exercise program, at a minimum of 3 days per week, 1 hour per day with the exercise program. | Other: Conventional hand exercise<br>* Conventional hand exercise consists of passive and active range of motion exercise, and simple coordination exercises with the fingers<br>|
| Experimental: Resonating Arm Exerciser (RAE)<br>Subject participates in 3 weeks of exercising with the experimental device: RAE at a minimum of 3 days per week, 1 hour per day with the exercise program | Device: Resonating Arm Exerciser<br>* The RAE is a lever that attaches to a manual wheelchair with elastic bands and can be pushed back and forth to exercise the arm.<br>* Other names: RAE;|
| Active Comparator: Control Group for RAE<br>Subject participates in 3 weeks of conventional arm exercise program, at a minimum of 3 days per week, 1 hour per day with the exercise program. | Other: Conventional Arm Exercise<br>* Conventional arm exercise consists of passive and active range of motion exercise, and simple weight bearing exercises<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Motor and Strength Outcome Measure Using Box and Block Test | The primary end point was the change in Box and Blocks score, which measures how many blocks a subject can pick up and place in a box in 60 secons, from baseline to 1 month posttherapy. The higher the scores, the better arm and hand function indicated. | From baseline to 1 month post therapy | 
| Motor and Strength Outcome Measure Using Fugl-Meyer Score | The primary outcome measure was the change in Upper Extremity FM score on a scale of 0 to 66 at one month post therapy. The higher the scores, the better arm and hand function indicated. | From baseline to 1 month post therapy | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Stroke