Recovery Trials

TMS TRIAL (Dr. Roy Hamilton @ Penn)

A phase two, randomized, controlled trial of transcranial magnetic stimulation and constraint induced language therapy for chronic aphasia. The Laboratory for Cognition and Neural Stimulation (LCNS) is recruiting individuals who have suffered from a stroke that has caused aphasia for a clinical trial. The purpose of this trial is to see if Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) combined with language therapy can improve language recovery in persons with aphasia better than language therapy alone. Researchers will investigate the long-term effects of this intervention for 6 months following treatment.
Clinician Flyer
Patient Flyer
Info Brochure
EMAIL: braintms@pennmedicine.upenn.edu

  • Key Inclusion Criteria:
    • Ages 18-80
    • Aphasia due to LEFT hemisphere stroke
    • Native English speaker
  • Key Exclusion Criteria:
    • Had a seizure in the past 6 months
    • History of psychiatric hospitalizations
    • History of tinnitus
    • Pregnant or plans to become pregnant
    • Current abuse of drugs or alcohol
    • Bilateral Stroke
    • Metallic implants in the head

BE MOBILE (Nudge Unit at Penn)

Researchers from The Nudge Unit at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine are conducting a study for patients who have experienced a stroke. This study uses a wearable device and text messaging to help increase physical activity. Participants will receive a Fitbit to record daily step counts for a total of 10 weeks.
This study is 100% remote. Subjects will not have to complete any in-person visits.

Study Flyer Attached

TRANSPORT2 (StrokeNet at Moss)

This research study is looking to determine if brain stimulation at different dosage levels combined with an efficacy-proven rehabilitation therapy can improve arm function. The stimulation technique is called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The treatment uses direct currents to stimulate specific parts of the brain affected by stroke. The adjunctive rehabilitation therapy is called “modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy” (mCIMT). During this therapy the subject will wear a mitt on the hand of the arm that was not affected by a stroke and force to use the weak arm. The study will test 3 different doses of brain stimulation in combination with mCIMT to find out the most promising one.

If you have a potential patient, you can give them the brochure and Nichole/Devin can connect them to the Moss Research team.

CORTIMO (Misha Serruya at Jefferson)

Microelectrode arrays implanted into the brain will decode signals to drive motors on the powered brace worn on the arm so that the patient can “power steer” his or her own arm. The ultimate goal is to create a fully implantable medical device that will restore movement in all parts of the body affected by a stroke. Independent movement will have functional benefits (e.g., being able to lift a fork to eat) and health benefits (e.g., decreasing the frequency of skin infections and preventing the formation of painful joint contractures).

  • Key Eligibility Criteria:

Interested candidates can go to: jeffersonhealth.org/stroketrials
At the bottom they can “create an account” and sign up for a free Ambra count and evaluation. They briefly relay history/upload any images. One of the neurosurgeons will review and get back to them on whether they might qualify for current or upcoming trials