Northstar Cortical Stimulation Lab
RIC, in conjunction with Northwestern University, is conducting an experiment comparing two groups of chronic stroke survivors with mild-moderate upper extremity hemiparesis. This study is titled "Safety and Effectiveness of Cortical Stimulation in the Treatment of Upper Extremity Hemiparesis."
One group will have a small electrode surgically implanted over the motor cortex, which provides low level stimulation to the brain when activated during intensive Occupational therapy. Another group will receive therapy alone. Both groups will receive 26 therapy sessions for six weeks, for 2.5 hours/day.
Therapy focuses on improving motor control through strengthening, reaching, coordination tasks and functional use of the hemiparetic arm. Participants are randomly assigned to one of the two groups by a computer, so all participants must agree to the surgical procedure in order to participate in the study.