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StrokeNEURO-TECHNCT07698405

Effects of Using Advanced NEUROrehabilitation TECHnologies in Upper Limb Motor Function and Capacity Recovery in People With Stroke

An observational study of Stroke, run by Azienda Unita Sanitaria Locale di Piacenza at 1 site in Italy.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This study aims to evaluate the effect of a personalized technology-based rehabilitative intervention on Upper Limb (UL) motor function and capacity recovery in People with Stroke (PwS). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Stroke
What is being tested?
Technology-based UL rehabilitation
Type of treatment
Medical device
How many people
25 participants
Where
1 siteItaly
Study dates
15 Jun 2026to Aug 2027
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Study population: Adult PwS admitted to the Intensive Rehabilitation Unit at Fiorenzuola d'Arda hospital. Sampling will be consecutive and carried out on the basis of feasibility and the flow of admissions to the Clinical Unit, amounting to approximately 3-5 individuals per month. The study will include PwS who meet eligibility criteria at the time of recruitment and who are able to understand and provide informed consent to participate.

Who may be able to join

  • Age ≥ 18 years;
  • First-ever unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke;
  • Presence of upper limb motor impairment;
  • Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) < 3;
  • Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) > 24;
  • Medically stable and able to participate in an intensive rehabilitation programme;
  • Ability to understand and follow study procedures;
  • Written informed consent.

Who cannot join

  • Diagnosis of severe aphasia, based on medical records, preventing participation;
  • Bilateral hemisphere lesions;
  • Severe and unstable medical conditions (e.g. untreated seizure, heart failure) that preclude participation in rehabilitation;
  • Other neurological and/or psychiatric diseases;
  • Recent and unstabilized upper limb fracture.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Gianfranco Lamberti, MD contact

+39 0523 404656

g.lamberti2@ausl.pc.it

Italy1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Fiorenzuola d'Arda Hospital - AUSL Piacenza

    Fiorenzuola d'Arda, Piacenza, 29017

    Gianfranco Lamberti, MD, +39 0523 404656, g.lamberti2@ausl.pc.it

    Recruiting

Other trials in Italy

About this study

This study aims to evaluate the effect of a personalized technology-based rehabilitative intervention on Upper Limb (UL) motor function and capacity recovery in People with Stroke (PwS). The study is single-cohort study in which eligible participants will undergo baseline and follow-up clinical and instrumental assessments over a 4-5 week period.

The intervention consists of a personalized and specific upper limb technology-based rehabilitation programme delivered three times per week for a total of 12-15 sessions. Each session lasts approximately one hour and is integrated with conventional rehabilitation treatments.

Primary outcomes include Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). Secondary outcomes include instrumental assessment of active range of motion and grip strength.

Read the detailed description

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide. The prevalence of upper limb motor deficits ranges approximately from 50-80% in the acute phase and from 40-50% in the chronic phase, six months after the event.

The most common upper limb impairments following stroke include paresis, altered muscle tone, reduced sensation, and loss of coordination. These deficits compromise the ability to perform activities of daily living, such as opening a door, grasping a key, or using a computer. Consequently, the recovery of upper limb motor function and capacity represents one of the primary goals of post-stroke rehabilitation.

The literature further highlights that treatment intensity, defined as a high number of repetitions, and task-oriented approaches are among the main determinants of rehabilitation effectiveness after stroke. In this context, rehabilitation technologies enable automation and intensification of treatment paradigms, improve access to therapy, and provide physiotherapists with innovative tools.

The application of these technologies in neurorehabilitation, particularly for upper limb motor recovery in adults with stroke, has led to numerous clinical studies investigating their effectiveness. Robotic rehabilitation has generally been associated with improvements in upper limb motor function. Overall, evidence indicates that technology-based interventions, such as robot-assisted therapy, virtual reality, and telerehabilitation, can enhance motor recovery when used alongside conventional treatment, particularly in individuals with moderate to severe impairments. More recent summaries of the literature further support the added value of robot-assisted approaches compared with conventional therapy alone.

Despite the growing body of evidence, several challenges remain, including population heterogeneity, variability in devices, non-standardized treatment dosage, and the lack of specific intervention parameters.

In the Italian rehabilitation landscape, rehabilitation technologies have been included in the Essential Levels of Care (LEA) of the National Health Service (SSN) since 2018 (9), promoting their adoption in clinical practice across accredited healthcare facilities. In this context, the Ausl Piacenza-Fiorenzuola Hospital represents a consolidated example of integration of technologies within rehabilitation pathways for patients with neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury). Technology-based treatments are delivered as adjuncts to conventional interventions, such as physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and neuropsychology, with the aim of enhancing rehabilitation effectiveness and addressing patients' functional needs.

For upper limb rehabilitation, four complementary devices are currently available:

  • Intensive Visual Stimulation - IVS3 (Dessintey Co., France), a system for mirror therapy and motor imagery targeting motor planning and movement control;
  • Gloreha Professional 2 + Active Package (BTL Robotics, Italy), a soft robotic glove for hand rehabilitation;
  • PABLO® (Tyromotion, Austria), a multifunctional rehabilitation device based on sensors and interactive interfaces;
  • DIEGO® (Tyromotion, Austria), an end-effector device designed for assistive and interactive therapies.

In light of current evidence and the rehabilitation context of Fiorenzuola Hospital, the aim of this preliminary study is to evaluate the effect of a personalized technology-based treatment approach on upper limb motor function and capacity recovery in PwS.

Primary Objective The primary objective of the study is to estimate the expected effect of technology-based rehabilitation on upper limb recovery in adults with stroke.

Secondary Objective The secondary objective is to estimate technology-induced changes through instrumental assessments and explore their relationship with clinical outcomes.

Primary Endpoint The primary endpoint is the improvement in upper limb motor function and capacity, measured using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT).

Clinically meaningful improvement is defined as reaching the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) of:

  • 10 points on the FMA-UE (10)
  • 12 points on the ARAT (11)

The secondary endpoint is the improvement in active range of motion and grasp and pinches strength, assessed instrumentally using the PABLO® system (Tyromotion, Austria).

Statistical Analysis Plan

The distributions of the variables will be tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Depending on the distributional properties, the data will be summarised and described using the mean and standard deviation or the median and interquartile range. To assess the comparison between measurements taken before and after the intervention, either the Student's t-test for paired samples (normal distribution) or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (non-normal distribution) will be used. The effect size will be calculated for the FMA-UE and ARAT scales using Cohen's d. In order to explore the relationships between rehabilitation dosage and motor recovery of the upper limb, correlation tests will be carried out. In particular, the Pearson correlation coefficient (or Spearman's in the case of non-normal distributions) will be calculated between the quantitative measures of rehabilitation dose (e.g. number of sessions, total hours of treatment) and functional improvement, measured by the change in scores: (ΔFMA-UE) and (ΔARAT).

The analyses will be conducted using STATA software, with a significance level set at p<0.05. Any missing data for the observed variables may be handled using multiple imputation.

Conditions
Stroke
Being tested
Technology-based UL rehabilitation
Keywords
Stroke, Technology-Assisted Rehabilitation, Robotics, Virtual Reality, Motor Recovery
Medical subject headings
Stroke

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Technology-based UL rehabilitationDevice

    Participants will receive conventional treatments, including neuromotor, occupational therapy, speech therapy and/or neuropsychology treatments, as clinically indicated. In addition, they will undergo a personalized and specific UL technology-based rehabilitation programme, delivered 3 times per week, for a total of 12 - 15 sessions. Each session will last 1 hour and will be conducted in a 1:1 format (physiotherapist : participant). Data on rehabilitation dosage will be collected, including the total number of hours of rehabilitation received. Physiotherapists who will have in charge participant, will compiled a treatment diary for each technology session in which they will record: number of session, total hour of technology-based treatments, type of device used and any adverse events.

Study groups in NCT07698405
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
PwSAdult People with Stroke (PwS) with Upper Limb (UL) motor function impairment
Receives: Device: Technology-based UL rehabilitation

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE)

    Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) is an ordinal scale used to assess sensorimotor function following stroke. The upper extremity motor function section includes four subscales assessing synergistic and non-synergistic movements of shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand, as well as coordination/speed. The maximum score is 66 points, indicating normal upper limb motor function. In addition to motor function, the FMA-UE assesses Non-motor domains (i.e., sensation, passive joint movement and pain), with a maximum total score of 60 points.

    Measured: Baseline (T0) at enrollment, and after 4-5 weeks of observation (T1)

  2. Action Research Arm Test (ARAT)

    Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) consists of 19 items grouped in subtests (i.e., grasp, grip, pinch, and gross arm movement) and performance of each item rated on a 4 points scale (from 0 - no movement possible, to 3 - movement performed normally.

    Measured: Baseline (T0) at enrollment, and after 4-5 weeks of observation (T1)

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Instrumented Active Range of Motion (AROM) of affected Upper Limb

    The instrumental assessment of the Active Range of Motion (AROM) of the upper limb includes shoulder flexion-extension/abduction and adduction, elbow flexion-extension, wrist flexion-extension/ulnar-radial deviation, and forearm pronation-supination. This will be performed using three inertial sensors located within the PABLO device (Tyromotion, AU)

    Measured: Baseline (T0) at enrollment, and after 4-5 weeks of observation (T1)

  2. Instrumental gross and fine motor grip strength of hand affected

    The instrumental assessment of the Gross and fine motor grip strength of hand affected includes grasping and releasing, pincer grip, three-finger grip, lateral grip and interdigital grip. This will be performed using Handesensor within the PABLO device (Tyromotion, AU)

    Measured: Baseline (T0) at enrollment, and after 4-5 weeks of observation (T1)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted13 Jul 2026
  2. Study start15 Jun 2026
  3. Primary completionAug 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completionAug 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Cohort
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrolment
25 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07698405
Sponsor's protocol ID
NEURO-TECH
Acronym
NEURO-TECH
Status last verified
Jul 2026
First submitted
7 Jul 2026
Last updated
22 Sep 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Publications

  • Saposnik G, Levin M; Outcome Research Canada (SORCan) Working Group. Virtual reality in stroke rehabilitation: a meta-analysis and implications for clinicians. Stroke. 2011 May;42(5):1380-6. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.110.605451. Epub 2011 Apr 7.

    PubMed 21474804
  • Yoo SD, Lee HH. The Effect of Robot-Assisted Training on Arm Function, Walking, Balance, and Activities of Daily Living After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Brain Neurorehabil. 2023 Sep 20;16(3):e24. doi: 10.12786/bn.2023.16.e24. eCollection 2023 Nov.

    PubMed 38047093
  • O'Flaherty D, Ali K. Recommendations for Upper Limb Motor Recovery: An Overview of the UK and European Rehabilitation after Stroke Guidelines (2023). Healthcare (Basel). 2024 Jul 18;12(14):1433. doi: 10.3390/healthcare12141433.

    PubMed 39057576
  • Collin C, Wade D. Assessing motor impairment after stroke: a pilot reliability study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1990 Jul;53(7):576-9. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.53.7.576.

    PubMed 2391521
  • Kwakkel G, Kollen BJ, Krebs HI. Effects of robot-assisted therapy on upper limb recovery after stroke: a systematic review. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2008 Mar-Apr;22(2):111-21. doi: 10.1177/1545968307305457. Epub 2007 Sep 17.

    PubMed 17876068
  • Veerbeek JM, van Wegen E, van Peppen R, van der Wees PJ, Hendriks E, Rietberg M, Kwakkel G. What is the evidence for physical therapy poststroke? A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2014 Feb 4;9(2):e87987. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087987. eCollection 2014.

    PubMed 24505342
  • Mehrholz J, Pollock A, Pohl M, Kugler J, Elsner B. Systematic review with network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of robotic-assisted arm training for improving activities of daily living and upper limb function after stroke. J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2020 Jun 30;17(1):83. doi: 10.1186/s12984-020-00715-0.

    PubMed 32605587
  • MAHONEY FI, BARTHEL DW. FUNCTIONAL EVALUATION: THE BARTHEL INDEX. Md State Med J. 1965 Feb;14:61-5. No abstract available.

    PubMed 14258950
  • Mathiowetz V, Volland G, Kashman N, Weber K. Adult norms for the Box and Block Test of manual dexterity. Am J Occup Ther. 1985 Jun;39(6):386-91. doi: 10.5014/ajot.39.6.386.

    PubMed 3160243
  • McDonnell M. Action research arm test. Aust J Physiother. 2008;54(3):220. doi: 10.1016/s0004-9514(08)70034-5. No abstract available.

    PubMed 18833688
  • Fugl-Meyer AR, Jaasko L, Leyman I, Olsson S, Steglind S. The post-stroke hemiplegic patient. 1. a method for evaluation of physical performance. Scand J Rehabil Med. 1975;7(1):13-31.

    PubMed 1135616
  • Lang CE, Edwards DF, Birkenmeier RL, Dromerick AW. Estimating minimal clinically important differences of upper-extremity measures early after stroke. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2008 Sep;89(9):1693-700. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2008.02.022.

    PubMed 18760153
  • Arya KN, Verma R, Garg RK. Estimating the minimal clinically important difference of an upper extremity recovery measure in subacute stroke patients. Top Stroke Rehabil. 2011 Oct;18 Suppl 1:599-610. doi: 10.1310/tsr18s01-599.

    PubMed 22120029
  • Cicerone Consensus Conference. Linee di indirizzo per l'utilizzo delle tecnologie riabilitative. Consensus Conference CICERONE 2022

  • Loureiro RC, Harwin WS, Nagai K, Johnson M. Advances in upper limb stroke rehabilitation: a technology push. Med Biol Eng Comput. 2011 Oct;49(10):1103-18. doi: 10.1007/s11517-011-0797-0. Epub 2011 Jul 20.

    PubMed 21773806

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Stroke, run by Azienda Unita Sanitaria Locale di Piacenza at 1 site in Italy.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 8 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 22 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Italy. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Gianfranco Lamberti, MD (+39 0523 404656, g.lamberti2@ausl.pc.it), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) (time frame: Baseline (T0) at enrollment, and after 4-5 weeks of observation (T1)). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07698405, which also lists 17 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 22 Sep 2026.

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