💬In plain words
What the trial is, and whether it could suit you
Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide. Many individuals who survive a stroke continue to experience weakness and reduced control of one arm, even months or years after the event. These motor impairments significantly affect independence, daily activities, and quality of life. Despite rehabilitation efforts, recovery of upper limb function remains incomplete for many patients.
Motor recovery after stroke depends on the brain's ability to reorganize itself, a process known as neuroplasticity. Recent research suggests that motor learning and brain recovery are influenced not only by activity in the primary motor cortex (M1), but also by its functional connectivity with other brain regions, particularly the parietal cortex (PC). Strengthening communication between these regions may enhance motor recovery.
This study aims to investigate a novel, non-invasive
Sign in to get the eligibility rules as simple questions to take to your doctor.
📋 Eligibility rules (as published)
Inclusion Criteria:
For Stroke Participants:
* Age ≥ 18 years
* First-ever ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke
* Time since stroke ≥ 6 months
* Unilateral upper limb hemiparesis
* Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) score between 29 and 57
* Modified Ashworth Scale score \< 2 at elbow, wrist, or finger flexors
* Manual muscle testing ≥ 3/5 in proximal upper limb muscles (deltoid, biceps, triceps, wrist pronators/supinators)
* Ability to understand and follow study procedures
* Provided written informed consent
For Healthy Participants:
* Age ≥ 18 years
* No history of neurological disease
* Ability to understand and follow study procedures
* Provided written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
For Stroke Participants:
* Second stroke occurring during the study period
* Botulinum toxin injection within 3 months prior to study start
* History of one or more epileptic seizures
* Metallic object near the stimulation site
* Implanted electronic or metallic devices (e.g., pacemaker, neurostimulator) incompatible with TMS
* Severe comorbid conditions affecting the upper limb (traumatic, rheumatologic, osteoarticular, or neurodegenerative disorders)
* Pregnancy
* Delirium or impaired vigilance
* Inability to participate in one-hour treatment sessions
* Inability to comply with study procedures (e.g., language barrier, psychological disorder, dementia)
* Current or past substance abuse, including excessive alcohol consumption
* Participation in another interventional clinical trial within 30 days prior to enrollment
For Healthy Participants:
* Severe musculoskeletal or neurological condition affecting the non-dominant upper limb
* Pregnancy
* Delirium or impaired vigilance
* Inability to participate in one-hour treatment sessions
* Inability to comply with study procedures
* Current or past substance abuse, including excessive alcohol consumption
* Participation in another interventional clinical trial within 30 days prior to enrollment
💊
What it tests
- Active iTBS
- Tablet-based upper limb training
- Sham iTBS
University School of Health ▪ HES-SO Genève
Carouge, Switzerland
🤝 Taking part is your choice, and you can leave at any time. Only the trial team can confirm you are eligible — always decide together with your own doctor.
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