Brain zaps and electric gloves: new hope for stroke survivors with severe hand paralysis?

NCT ID NCT03870672

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether combining two non-invasive therapies can improve hand function in people who had a stroke at least six months ago and have severe arm weakness. The therapies are a brain stimulation technique called rTMS and a device that uses electrical stimulation to open the weak hand, controlled by a glove on the strong hand. Researchers will compare three treatment combinations to see which works best and for whom.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and contralaterally controlled functional electrical stimulation (CCFES)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could lead to a new rehabilitation therapy that helps people with severe hand weakness after a stroke regain more use of their affected arm.

What could go wrong

This is an early-stage trial with only 72 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The improvements may be small or not last long, and brain stimulation can cause discomfort or headache.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hemiplegia Paresis stroke disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Lerner Research Institute; Cleveland Clinic Foundation

    RECRUITING

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••