Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Potential for Recovery of Voluntary Finger Extension After Stroke

This study explores how some people who have had a stroke might get back the ability to move their fingers, even if they haven't been able to for six months or more. Doctors previously thought this wasn't possible for many. We want to understand what makes recovery happen. Participants will receive a three-month program of electrical stimulation and home exercises for their wrist and finger muscles. We will look at whether they regain finger movement and why. This research could help us develop better treatments for stroke survivors to improve hand function and daily activities.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University College, London

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 Sep 2026

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2029

Stroke

What is this study about?

For a long time, it was thought that if someone couldn't move their fingers six months after a stroke, they wouldn't be able to get that movement back. However, doctors at the Queen Square Upper Limb neurorehabilitation service have seen some patients regain movement after this time. This study wants to find out why this happens and who these patients are.

We're looking for 100 people who have had a stroke and currently can't move their fingers much, if at all. Before starting the treatment, we'll do some special tests, including one called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This helps us understand how well the signals from your brain are reaching your finger muscles. We'll look at different types of brain pathways to see if they are working.

Everyone in the study will then follow a three-month program. This involves using a special machine that gives small electrical pulses to your muscles (neuromuscular electrical stimulation) along with a home exercise plan. Both are designed to help strengthen your wrist and finger muscles. We'll be checking to see if you start to regain your finger movement during this time. We expect that people whose brain signals reached their muscles better at the start of the study might be more likely to regain movement.

Key takeaways

This study explores regaining finger movement after stroke, even years later.
It uses a home exercise plan combined with gentle electrical stimulation.
Researchers are trying to understand why some people recover finger movement.
You need to have had your stroke at least six months ago and have limited finger movement.
Participation involves assessments and a three-month home treatment program.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to have had a stroke at least six months ago. You also need to have very little or no ability to move your fingers straight out, meaning your finger muscles are very weak in this direction.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a lot of stiffness (spasticity) in your wrist or finger bending muscles, or if you can't flatten your hand on a table. Also, if you've recently had a certain type of injection (Botox) to help with muscle stiffness in your hand or wrist, you would need to wait until the effects have worn off, which is usually at least 24 weeks.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Did I have my stroke more than 6 months ago?
Can I not straighten my fingers well, or at all?
Do I not have severe stiffness (spasticity) in my wrist or finger bending muscles?
Can I flatten my hand on a table?
Have I not had Botox for wrist/finger stiffness in the last 24 weeks?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, your journey will involve a few steps. First, you'll have some initial appointments for assessments. These will include special tests to understand your brain and muscle function, like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), which is a non-invasive way to check nerve signals. You'll also have assessments of your hand and finger movement.

Following these initial checks, you will take part in a three-month home program. This will involve using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) device, which delivers gentle electrical pulses to your muscles, along with a set of specific exercises you'll do at home. You'll be taught how to use the device and do the exercises. The study will then check your progress to see if there are any changes in your finger movement. We expect the total duration of active participation to be around three months, plus the initial assessment period.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a chance to regain some finger movement, which could lead to improved hand function and make daily tasks easier. However, there's no guarantee that you will personally benefit. As with any study, there could be some minor risks, such as temporary discomfort from the electrical stimulation or mild fatigue from exercises. All procedures are carefully monitored. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University College London- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What does 'absent voluntary finger extension' mean?

It means you can't straighten or extend your fingers on your own, or you can only do it a tiny bit.

What is neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)?

It's a treatment that uses gentle electrical pulses to make your muscles contract, which can help strengthen them and improve their function.

Will this study cure my stroke?

No, this study is not looking for a cure for stroke. It's investigating if certain treatments can help improve specific hand movements after a stroke.

How long has it been since I had my stroke to join?

You need to have had your stroke at least six months ago to be eligible for this study.

Will I have to travel frequently?

The main part of the treatment is a home exercise program, so regular travel to a clinic might not be needed for the three-month treatment phase, but there will be initial assessments.

How to find out more

Professor Nick Ward, MD

n.ward@ucl.ac.uk +44 20 3448 3486 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.