Ofakim

Researchers are evaluating a new gamified rehabilitation system that uses robots and music while seated to help people with Parkinson's disease (PD). This pilot study aims to collect both patient feedback and objective motor and cognitive data to assess the system's potential benefits. It is the first socially assistive robotic platform specifically designed for individuals with PD, and it includes use of the Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire (CRIq) in Hebrew. Fifteen PD patients aged 50 to 75 will participate at the Adi Negev Clinic. Each patient will complete five 30-minute sessions using the robotic system. The intervention follows principles of rehabilitation such as repeated and goal-oriented practice, varying difficulty, rhythmic cues, and social interaction. Participants will provide informed consent before starting. Before treatment, assessments will include cognitive and motor tests like the MoCA, Color Trails Test, motor UPDRS, and Box & Blocks Test. After completing all sessions, patients will repeat motor and cognitive tests and complete usability and motivation questionnaires. Researchers will monitor engagement levels over two months, aiming to measure changes in motor and cognitive functions and user satisfaction.

Stroke is a major cause of long-term disability and death, often leaving survivors with lasting motor and cognitive challenges that affect daily life. Despite improvements in stroke survival, rehabilitation outcomes have remained largely unchanged. This research aims to explore whether a high-dosage, high-intensity training program during the early post-stroke period can enhance motor recovery in the upper extremities of stroke survivors. Participants will undergo additional technology-based upper extremity training for 120 minutes a day, five days a week, over four weeks. This intensive behavioral rehabilitation program is designed to be delivered in the subacute phase, starting between one week and six weeks after the stroke. The study will monitor participants before and after the training period and continue follow-up up to six months post-stroke. During the study, participants will be assessed using various clinical and kinematic measures, including the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity assessment, the Action Research Arm Test, and the Stroke Impact Scale hand domain. These assessments will be conducted at enrollment, and at one, three, and six months after enrollment to evaluate motor recovery and adherence to the training program. Safety and progress will be closely monitored throughout the six-month study duration.

Researchers are studying the natural course of recovery after a stroke, focusing on changes in cognitive, motor, and sensory functions over time. This observational study is part of the RESTRO project, which aims to evaluate neurorehabilitation programs to improve recovery and quality of life after stroke. The study will collect data from three primary sites and compare results over time based on the type and intensity of rehabilitation provided. Participants will not receive any experimental treatments as this is a non-interventional study. The research involves monitoring patients at several time points during the first 6 to 12 months after their stroke. Data collection will take place at baseline (within 3 weeks of stroke) and follow-up visits at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. During the study, participants will undergo assessments including the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Action Research Arm Test, and 10-meter walk test to evaluate motor and sensory function. Researchers will track changes at each visit to understand recovery progress. The study requires participants to be medically stable and able to provide consent, with a total involvement lasting up to one year.

Researchers are studying upper limb movement in people who have had a stroke to understand how daily arm movements relate to recovery and impairment. This study is part of a larger project called The Natural History of Stroke Recovery. The goal is to develop and test technology that tracks arm movements and muscle activity to better understand stroke recovery. The study will develop and validate an algorithm and software using Inertial Measuring Units (IMUs) to monitor daily upper limb movements in stroke patients. Additionally, the researchers will test muscle synergy and proprioception acuity through surface electromyography (EMG) during both active and passive movements. These tools will help assess the connection between arm movement patterns and recovery levels after stroke. Participants will be monitored for hand movements, joint range, and wrist distance over one or two sessions lasting between 1 to 6 hours each. The study will collect data on how much and how long the hand moves, the active range of joints, and wrist positioning. This information will be used to measure recovery and impairment, including proprioception acuity, while ensuring participant safety and informed consent throughout the process.