Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * Radiologically documented single ischemic stroke resulted in hemiplegia/hemiparesis * At least six months post-stroke * Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment score "moderate" or "moderate-mild" (29-53 inclusive out of 66) at the screening visit * Medically and neurologically stable, as determined by medical history and documented physical examination * For women of childbearing potential, a negative over-the-counter pregnancy test at study entry and willingness to practice adequate contraception during the study * Ability to attend sessions three times per week * Adequate social support to participate in all intervention and baseline, follow-up assessment sessions throughout eight months. * Ability to read, comprehend and speak English Exclusion Criteria: * Hemorrhagic stroke * History of multiple strokes * Active implanted stimulator (e.g., pacemaker, vagus nerve stimulator, cochlear implant, etc.) or baclofen pump * Aphasia or any other deficit in communication that interferes with reasonable study participation * Moderate to severe cognitive impairment * Presence of neglect (inability to perceive or awareness of, or loss of attention to the weaker half of the body) * Severe spasticity in the upper limb * Taking baclofen more than 30 mg/day * Change in baclofen dose within four weeks before enrollment * Receiving benzodiazepines, dantrolene, tizanidine, anticoagulant, or antiepileptic medication * Botulinum toxin injection to the upper limb muscles within six months before enrollment * Severe joint contractures in the affected hand and arm * History of spontaneous seizure that had occurred one month or longer after the stroke