Stroke Research Studies

Researchers at MetroHealth Medical Center are seeking volunteers to participate in stroke research studies for improvement of hand and arm function and shoulder pain.  Most studies include physical or occupational therapy treatments free of charge to participants along with the study treatment. Transportation is provided for those participants that live within a one hour drive from MetroHealth Medical Center.

Below is a list of ongoing studies for stroke survivors. These studies are funded by the National Institutes of Health. For details about specific studies, contact us at 216-778-5347 or [email protected].

Transportation is provided for those participants that live within a one hour drive from Metrohealth Medical Center, Old Brooklyn Health Center.

Are you recovering from a stroke? Still experiencing pain?

Dr. Wilson states the importance of starting therapy as soon as possible after experiencing a stroke, “It [therapy] can sometimes help the brain to rewire itself to recover lost function. Generally therapy involves repetitive tasks, to remind the brain and the muscles how things work.”

 

Current Studies

  • SATURN is a stroke research trial investigating the use of statin medications after certain types of hemorrhagic stroke.
  • ASPIRE is a stroke research trial investigating the safe use of anticoagulant medication vs. aspirin in hemorrhagic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation.

Electrical Stimulation Hand and Arm FunctionStudies for arm and hand function:

Hand Therapy after Stroke Using Electrical Stimulation

Researchers at Louis Stoke Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, MetroHealth Medical Center and Cleveland Clinic are conducting a study with individuals who have weak or paralyzed arm and hand muscles resulting from a stroke.  The research study will compare the effects of 2 electrical stimulation treatments to the hand, along with hand therapy video games.  The study will determine if the new treatment improves hand and arm movement or changes how the brain works during hand movement.

We need patients who:

  • Are at least 6 months post stroke
  • Have a weak arm and hand
  • Have enough arm movement to move weak arm across a table
  • Have no severe shoulder or hand pain

Therapies for Hand Recovery after Stroke

MetroHealth Medical Center and Cleveland Clinic are conducting a study with individuals who have weak or paralyzed arm and hand muscles resulting from a stroke.  The research study will compare the effects of three therapies to improve arm and hand movement and function. 

We need patients who:

  • Are 6 - 24 month post stroke
  • Have a weak arm and hand
  • Have enough arm movement to move weak arm across a table
  • Have no severe shoulder or hand pain

Studies for Shoulder Pain

Did you know? 60% of those who have experienced a moderate to severe stroke have shoulder pain

What does the electrical stimulator do? Makes the muscles contract and relax, alternating every 30 seconds

"The portable electrical stimulator approach has improved pain on a long-term basis for 60-70% of the patients treated." -Dr. Wilson, Stroke Rehabilitation

Multimodal Treatment for Hemiplegic Shoulder pain

This study will evaluate the effect of therapy and electrical stimulation in three different combinations to reduce post-stroke shoulder pain. Study participants will receive either electrical stimulation that will make their shoulder muscles contract, physical therapy for shoulder pain, or a combination. The treatment period lasts 4 weeks and there is a 6 month follow-up period.

We need patients who:

  • Are 3 months post stroke
  • Have shoulder pain > 3 months duration in the weak shoulder after stroke
  • Have moderate to severe pain in the shoulder

PNS Dose for Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether electrical stimulation of shoulder muscles could reduce shoulder pain in those who have suffered a stroke. The research treatment involves stimulation of the affected shoulder muscles for three weeks. Participants are then followed for three months following the treatment.

We need patients who:

  • Are 3 months post stroke
  • Have shoulder pain > 3 months duration in the weak shoulder after stroke
  • Have moderate to severe pain in the shoulder,

For details about specific studies, please contact us at 216-778-5347 or [email protected].

Stroke Study Summary

  • All studies are sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
  • Participants will receive study treatment free of charge.
  • Mileage reimbursement and parking validation will be provided for study visits. (Wheelchair transport service may be provided if necessary.)
  • Other eligibility criteria apply. Please contact study staff for details.

These studies are funded by the National Institutes of Health. For details about specific studies, please contact the MetroHealth researchers by calling 216-778-5347 or email: [email protected].

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