Arm & Hand Movement After Stroke

After a stroke, it is very common to lose the ability to move the arm and hand. The purpose of this research program is to create and test technologies and therapies that are designed to improve a person’s arm and hand function after stroke by either a temporary therapy or permanent assistive technology.

Contralaterally Controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation (CCFES) is a temporary therapy designed to improve hand function after stroke.  CCFES stimulates hand muscles through electrodes on the surface of the skin. The stroke survivor controls the stimulation to their weak hand with a glove worn on the strong hand. This gives the person the ability to open their hand  during therapy sessions. Several CCFES clinical trials led by MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute researchers are enrolling participants. 

An Implanted FES Neuroprosthetic System is a permanent assistive technology designed to provide functional movement of the upper limb and hand. Future studies will investigate the benefit of such technology for stroke survivors.