Safety and Feasibility of an ExoNET for Supination Assistance for Stroke Survivors
Sponsored by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
About this study
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of an exoskeletal network of passive, multi-joint springs for forearm supination. Also known as the forearm ExoNET, the device is a passive, robotic device that will properly assist forearm supination in the post-stroke adult population.
The ExoNET, a passive robotic solution that provides a soft, biomimetic, and elastic alternative to robotics that embodies intelligence within the mechanical design. Several groups have been exploring performance enhancement using springs with custom-tuned parameters via optimization. Here, it is possible to have a simple reconfigurable system that can not only assist performance, but can also make training easier, faster, and more complete. This contribution has the potential to be clinically significant for rehabilitating neurologically impaired individuals because this proposal will investigate how motor learning can be facilitated through novel assistive technology. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of using the forearm ExoNET. Sp…
Where this study is enrolling
- I'm interested
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Chicago, Illinois
Who can participate
Inclusion criteria
- ✓1. Between the ages of 40-70 (to reduce confounding effects of aging on muscle, movement accuracy and proprioception)
- ✓2. Have sustained a single, unilateral stroke at least 8 months prior to enrollment
- ✓3. Severe to moderate upper extremity impairment (ARAT score 0-30)
- ✓4. Ability to move their elbow and wrist when supported against gravity
- ✓5. Cortical stroke with hemiparesis, tactile sensation
- ✓6. Available medical records about lesion locations indicating the stroke was caused by a middle cerebral artery ischemic infarct
Exclusion criteria
- ✕1. Bilateral paresis
- ✕2. Diffuse/multiple lesion sites or multiple stroke events
- ✕3. Hemispatial neglect or visual field cut that prevent visual feedback
- ✕4. Shoulder pain and/or articular rigidity on the upper limb joint
- ✕5. Severe sensory deficits indicated by the Two-Point Discrimination Test
- ✕6. Botox injection to the affected upper extremity within the previous 4 months
- ✕7. Aphasia, cognitive impairment, or affective dysfunction that would influence the ability to consent, perform the experiment, or follow commands
- ✕8. Concurrent participation in upper extremity rehabilitation either as part of a research intervention protocol or a prescribed therapy
- ✕9. Other neurological issues
- ✕10. Meet any of the contraindications to Delsys Trigno Sensors:
- ✕Implanted with electronic devices of any kind, including cardiac pace-makers or similar assistive devices, electronic induction pumps, and implanted stimulators
- ✕Irritated skin or open wounds
- ✕Silver allergy
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Completing a questionnaire on Clinably does not enroll you in a clinical trial or confirm your eligibility. Only the research team can determine whether you qualify to participate. These results are based on the information you provide and are intended to help you start a conversation with the research team.
Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.