Hand and Arm Motor Recovery Via Non-invasive Electrical Spinal Cord Stimulation After Stroke

Inclusion Criteria:

• Radiologically documented single ischemic stroke resulted in hemiplegia/hemiparesis

• At least six months post-stroke

• Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment score "moderate" or "moderate-mild" (29-53inclusive out of 66) at the screening visit

• Medically and neurologically stable, as determined by medical history and documentedphysical examination

• For women of childbearing potential, a negative over-the-counter pregnancy test atstudy entry and willingness to practice adequate contraception during the study

• Ability to attend sessions three times per week

• Adequate social support to participate in all intervention and baseline, follow-upassessment sessions throughout eight months.

• Ability to read, comprehend and speak English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hemorrhagic stroke

• History of multiple strokes

• Active implanted stimulator (e.g., pacemaker, vagus nerve stimulator, cochlearimplant, etc.) or baclofen pump

• Aphasia or any other deficit in communication that interferes with reasonable studyparticipation

• Moderate to severe cognitive impairment

• Presence of neglect (inability to perceive or awareness of, or loss of attention tothe weaker half of the body)

• Severe spasticity in the upper limb

• Taking baclofen more than 30 mg/day

• Change in baclofen dose within four weeks before enrollment

• Receiving benzodiazepines, dantrolene, tizanidine, anticoagulant, or antiepilepticmedication

• Botulinum toxin injection to the upper limb muscles within six months beforeenrollment

• Severe joint contractures in the affected hand and arm

• History of spontaneous seizure that had occurred one month or longer after thestroke