RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Stroke Motor Recovery for the Hand and Fingers

This research is looking at better ways to help people recover hand and finger movement after a stroke. It compares two methods: one that encourages you to achieve movement goals using any way you find easiest, and another that focuses on improving the quality of your movement and avoiding 'shortcuts'. Researchers want to see which method works best for different people and how these methods affect the brain. If you join, you'll take part in piano training sessions and have MRI brain scans. The aim is to find out the most effective rehabilitation approaches for stroke survivors and help develop new treatments for the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Toronto

Enrolment target

Start

07 May 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Stroke

What is this study about?

This study is about helping people who have had a stroke to improve their hand and finger movements. When you’ve had a stroke, it can affect how well you control your hand and fingers, making everyday tasks difficult. This research wants to find the best ways to help you get this movement back.

Researchers are comparing two main approaches. One approach teaches you to achieve your movement goals, like pressing a piano key, however you can. The other approach focuses on improving the quality of your movements, making them smoother and more controlled, rather than just getting the job done. The study will also look at how your brain changes with each type of training, using special brain scans. This will help us understand how the brain recovers after a stroke and could lead to new ways to treat it in the future.

We know that not everyone is the same, so this study also aims to figure out which approach works best for different people. For example, some people with more severe effects from their stroke might find one method more helpful, while those with milder effects might benefit more from another. By understanding this, doctors can offer more tailored rehabilitation plans.

Key takeaways

This study explores two methods for improving hand and finger movement after stroke.
It aims to find which training method works best for different people.
Participation involves 10 days of piano-based hand exercises.
MRI brain scans will be used to understand how the brain recovers.
The study takes place over about 15 weeks, with 14 visits to the lab.
It could help develop better stroke rehabilitation in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult over 18 years old who has had a stroke between 6 months and 2 years ago. It must have been your first stroke, and you need to be able to move your fingers a little bit already.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you have had other brain conditions, severe memory problems, or difficulties with understanding space around you. You also couldn't join if you have certain metal implants or conditions that mean you can't have an MRI scan, or if you have an injury that affects your arm or hand movement, or if you find it hard sitting for a while to do exercises.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you over 18 years old?
Have you had your first stroke between 6 months and 2 years ago?
Can you move your fingers a little bit already?
Do you have any metal implants or conditions that stop you from having an MRI?
Are you able to sit for a while to do exercises?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll visit the lab a total of 14 times, spread out over several days. On two of these visits (at the beginning and after the training), you'll have an MRI scan, which takes pictures of your brain. You’ll also complete 10 days of special piano training, where you’ll work with a music therapist for two hours each day over two weeks. This training involves playing a digital piano, learning to press different keys and play simple tunes.

Throughout the study, you'll have several assessments where researchers will check your hand and finger movements, strength, and overall how the stroke has affected you. Some tests will be like those a physiotherapist might do, and others will involve wearing small sensors on your arm and hand that simply record your movements. The total duration of active participation, including assessments and training, will be about 15 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include contributing to a better understanding of stroke recovery and potentially improving your hand and finger movement through the training. Risks are generally low; MRI scans involve lying still in a tunnel-like machine, which some people find uncomfortable, and there's a small risk associated with the strong magnetic field if you have certain metal implants. You might also feel tired from the exercises or visits. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (5)

University of Toronto
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting
Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital
Verified postcode
Laval, Canada· Recruiting
University Institute for Physical Impairment Rehabilitation of Montreal (IURDPM)
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada· Recruiting
Lethbridge-Layton-Mackay Rehabilitation Center
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada· Recruiting
Jewish General Hopsital
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'piano training' exactly?

You'll learn to play a digital piano with a music therapist. It's designed to help improve your hand and finger movements by doing exercises like pressing keys and playing simple tunes.

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI is a special machine that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body, in this case, your brain. It doesn't use X-rays.

Will I have to pay for anything?

No, all study-related visits, training, and scans are provided at no cost to you.

How long does each visit take?

Some visits might be shorter for assessments, while the piano training sessions will be 2 hours long. MRI scans also take a period of time, typically around an hour or so, but could be longer depending on what they are measuring.

What if I get tired during the exercises?

The study involves a lot of exercises, but you'll be working with a therapist. It's important to tell them if you're feeling tired or uncomfortable so they can adjust or take a break.

How to find out more

Joyce L Chen, PhD

joycelynn.chen@utoronto.ca 416-946-5394 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.