Brooks Involved in Cortical Stimulation Study to Improve Use of Arm & Hand Post-Stroke

Executive Summary:

• Hemiparesis is most common deficit in stroke survivors
• Cortical stimulation, when paired with therapy, may promote neuroplasticity and reduce hemiparesis
• Study will establish safety and effectiveness of cortical stimulation
• Brooks sent clinicians to a study training seminar in October 2006
• Eligible participants must be at least four months post-stroke and have some use of impaired arm and hand

The most common neurological deficit in stroke survivors is a weakness on one side of the body, known as hemiparesis. This deficit is a substantial contributor to post-stroke disability. Research has shown that restoration of movement in the impaired limbs may be the consequence of brain reorganization in which new areas of the brain take over the function of stroke damaged areas. This process is referred to as neuroplasticity.

Preliminary research with both animals and humans has indicated that cortical stimulation-the application of direct and focused electrical stimulation-when paired with therapy, may improve motor recovery of the arm and hand after stroke by increasing neuroplasticity of these areas. The overall conclusion in preliminary studies suggests that cortical stimulation therapy paired with rehabilitation is safe and enhances motor function to a greater degree than just rehabilitation alone.

The purpose of this study is to establish the safety and effectiveness of targeted sub-threshold electrical stimulation delivered to the cerebral cortex of stroke patients concurrent with rehabilitation activities. This study is funded by Northstar Neuroscience and is code named EVEREST.

Brooks Rehabilitation became involved in this study late last year and sent the following clinicians to training in Chicago in October 2006:  Pamela Spigel, PT, MHA, Brooks Intervention Physical Therapist; Deborah Gordon, PT, Brooks Intervention therapist,  Chelsea Lauf, OTR/L; Susan Shepard, OTR/L; and Jeanne Bachmann, OTR/L, Brooks intervention therapist.

Eligible participants for this study must be at least four months post onset of stroke and have some use of the impaired arm and hand. Medical evaluations and treatments will take place at the University of Florida Department of Neurology at Shands Jacksonville.  Rehabilitation assessments and treatments will take place at the Brooks Center for Rehabilitation Studies. There is no charge for participation and participants will be reimbursed for any travel, lodging or participation costs that may be incurred. Participants will all receive six weeks of intensive therapy for arm and hand use.

If you would like additional information about this study, please contact Floris Singletary at (904) 306-8970 or Jodi Morgan at (904) 306-8987.