Hermagor

Researchers are evaluating two types of electrical stimulation treatments to help people recover movement in their arms and hands after experiencing a moderate arm weakness caused by a first-time ischemic stroke. The study focuses on patients in the early to late subacute phase, between 7 days and 6 months after their stroke. The goal is to compare the effects of a standard cyclic one-channel stimulation with an investigational four-channel stimulation triggered by the patient's own nerve signals. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups, each receiving treatment five times a week for three weeks. One group receives cyclic single-channel neuromuscular stimulation, which triggers repetitive muscle contractions in a preset pattern. The other group receives electromyogram-triggered four-channel neuromuscular stimulation, where the device uses biofeedback from muscle signals to activate contractions when the participant tries to move their arm. Throughout the study, researchers will assess participants' arm and hand movement abilities using standardized tests before treatment, after the three-week treatment period, and again 12 weeks later. The primary outcome measure is the Stroke Impact Scale subscale Recovery score, which helps evaluate improvements in arm and hand function. Participants will be closely monitored to ensure safety and adherence to the treatment protocol during this time.