Stroke - Natick MA (Metro Boston)

Summary:

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This is a clinical study to evaluate a new hand rehabilitation device for restoring hand function following a stroke. The device uses virtual reality goggles that you look through, which projects 3D images on your hand to provide a fun and engaging way to prompt you to move your fingers (similar to a video game). For example, one of the exercises projects a virtual ball into the palm of your hand and you are instructed to try and move your fingers towards the ball as though you were trying to grasp it. The ball will change colors when it senses that you are moving your fingers toward the ball. There are 4-5 such exercises that we ask you to try during a single 1-hour session. You will be seated during the session with your hand supported on a tabletop and the VR goggles on your head. The purpose of the study is to find ways to improve this device based on your feedback regarding its ease of use and whether you would enjoy using such a device for home exercises.    

·         Be 18 years of age or older;

·         Have survived a stroke which resulted in your hand on one side of your body to be weakened;

·         Currently have at least slight voluntary movement in one or more of your fingers, even if the hand is of limited function;

·         Are medically stable to do mild hand exercises;

·         Can respond to verbal instructions in English

·         No prior experience needed in using virtual reality or playing video games

Qualified Participants May Receive:

·         $20/hr for study participation

·         $20/hr travel time

·         Car service may be provided on request

·         No parking fees.