ABOUT THE STUDY

This study provides intense arm movement therapy. We are looking at the effects of tele-rehabilitation and a study medication on rehabilitation outcomes. Participants are people experiencing moderate-severe arm weakness from a stroke that occurred in the last 30 days.

WHY IS THIS STUDY BEING DONE?

Stroke can cause disability in many people. Our goal is to develop new methods to provide higher doses of rehabilitation therapy to patients who have experienced stroke. Treatments and therapies can help improve outcomes, but many people do not get this because of limited access to therapists in the area or difficulty traveling. Telehealth can provide higher doses of therapy and allow us to overcome these hurdles.

This research is also being done with a specific medicine (Sinemet) that has been shown to improve outcomes after stroke.

WHO IS BEING ASKED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS STUDY?

Anyone who is 18 years or older, and is experiencing moderate-severe arm weakness from a stroke in the last 30 days can participate.

WHY PARTICIPATE?

This study aims to help patients improve their arm mobility-- it offers hours of free therapy that you can do from your home. Our licensed therapists want to help you get stronger, and you get to play video games in the process. Everything is free to participants, and you will receive $125 after participation.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IF I PARTICIPATE IN THE STUDY?

You will be asked to come to Dr. Cramer's research lab located at California Rehabilitation Institute ("Cal Rehab") in Century City.

You will receive home-based telerehabilitation therapy. A computer console will be brought into your home for you to use. Therapy is 6 days a week, for 6 weeks. For half of these sessions, you will be working directly with one of our licensed therapists. They will provide you with cues during your therapy and feedback on your recovery.

You will also be asked to come to California Rehabilitation Institute in Century City for a total of 4 times: 2 times before starting therapy, and 2 visits after therapy is finished. Each visit involves testing, especially about your arm. At the second visit, we will also draw some blood to measure the genes that might affect how well you improve with therapy.

During this therapy program, you will continue all the usual care your medical team wants you to have - study therapy is on top of this. There is no charge to you or your insurance company.

TO BE IN THE STUDY ALL OF THE FOLLOWING MUST BE TRUE:

• you are over 18
• you had a stroke in the past 30 days
• you have moderate arm weakness as a result of this stroke
• you are in the Los Angeles area
• you speak English or Spanish

YOU CANNOT PARTICIPATE IN THE STUDY IF:

• your stroke was more than 30 days ago
• you live outside of greater Los Angeles

If you are potentially interested in participating in the study, please contact:

Dr. Steven Cramer, MD
Professor, UCLA Department of Neurology
Medical Director of Research, California Rehabilitation Institute
PHONE: (424) 522-7874
EMAIL: cramerlab@mednet.ucla.edu