Carouge

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, with many survivors experiencing ongoing weakness and reduced control of one arm that affects daily activities and quality of life. Recovery depends on the brains ability to reorganize, involving connections between the primary motor cortex M1 and the parietal cortex PC. This study investigates whether a new brain stimulation method, intermittent theta-burst stimulation iTBS, targeting both these brain areas with structured motor training can improve arm function after stroke. The trial is a single-center, randomized, sham-controlled, triple-blind study involving 36 individuals with chronic stroke-related upper limb impairment. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active multifocal iTBS or sham stimulation before motor training using a tablet-based device called REAtouchLite 2, which supports goal-directed arm movements. The intervention includes two days of stimulation followed by 45 minutes of motor training each day. Additionally, 10 healthy participants will perform the same motor training without brain stimulation to provide reference data. Participants will attend six visits over about 10 days, undergoing motor performance assessments with the tablet and a clinical motor scale Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity. Brain activity will be measured using resting-state EEG before and after the intervention to evaluate changes in brain connectivity. The main outcome is improvement in motor performance from baseline to one week post-intervention. Secondary outcomes include short-term learning, retention of motor skills, movement quality changes, and brain connectivity changes.

Post-stroke fatigue is a common, long-lasting feeling of tiredness that affects many adults after a stroke. This fatigue can include physical, mental, or emotional exhaustion that is not related to effort and does not get better with rest. Researchers want to better understand how this fatigue impacts daily life, work, and social activities, especially since it is often not well recognized in rehabilitation care. The study focuses on adults living in French-speaking Switzerland who are in the chronic phase after stroke, at least six months post-event. This observational study invites about 20 to 30 adults who have experienced a stroke and report ongoing fatigue to complete one anonymous questionnaire, either online or on paper. The questionnaire includes structured questions with rating scales and multiple-choice items, as well as open-ended questions where participants can share their personal experiences. There is no medical treatment, intervention, or follow-up involved. The study collects information about fatigue severity, frequency, impact on daily activities, quality of life, coping strategies, and perceived social and professional support. Participants will spend about 15 to 20 minutes completing the questionnaire, which gathers both quantitative and qualitative data. Researchers will analyze responses to better understand fatigue after stroke and identify common themes. No identifying information is collected, and participation is voluntary with the option to stop at any time. The study aims to provide insights that may help improve patient-centered rehabilitation approaches and support future research in neurological recovery.