Robot tailored to you: new hope for stroke arm recovery?
NCT ID NCT07316218
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tested a wearable robotic arm device (NESM-α) in 7 stroke survivors to see if it is safe and feasible for rehab. The robot adjusts to each person's ability, providing gentle assistance during movement. The main goals were to check for side effects and see if patients could stick with the program, with early signs pointing toward improved arm function and reduced spasticity.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- NESM-α exoskeleton (wearable robotic device)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a practical, personalized robotic therapy to improve arm function and reduce muscle stiffness after a stroke.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study with only 7 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The device is still experimental and may not provide meaningful improvement over standard therapy.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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7 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Nov 2024
- Finished
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Mar 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 79 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, sub-acute (\<6 months) or chronic (\>6 months) * Severe spasticity (MAS ≥ 2) or mild-moderate spasticity with residual active antigravity movements (MAS \< 2) * Fugl-Meyer upper extremity score ≤ 42 * MMSE \> 24 * No severe pain during passive mobilization * Written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Unstable clinical conditions * Inability to maintain sitting posture * Pacemaker or other implanted electronic devices * Passive range of motion \< 10°
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Ospedale Versilia
Lido di Camaiore, Tuscany, 55041, Italy
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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