NIH StrokeNet Recovery Trials

Perinatal Arterial Stroke: A Multi-Site RCT of Intensive Infant Rehabilitation (I-ACQUIRE)
Location: Virginia Tech
Purpose: Perinatal arterial stroke (PAS) includes infants with a diagnosis of neonatal arterial ischemic stroke or presumed prenatal arterial ischemic stroke; together these forms of early stroke have an estimated incidence of 1 in 1150 live births in the U.S.  The majority of infants with PAS will develop hemiparesis in the first year of life, often resulting in lifelong impairment in neuromotor functioning as well as possible impairment in cognition, language, and quality of life.  There are no evidence-based forms of rehabilitation designated as standard-of-care for these infants.
This is a Phase III multi-site randomized controlled trial comparing 2 dosages of a form of intensive pediatric rehabilitation known as Infant ACQUIRE (I-ACQUIRE) to Usual and Customary treatment (U&CT).  Prior studies of this treatment show high safety, patient acceptability, and evidence of significant and enduring benefits.  Briefly, I-ACQUIRE will be used to treat 8 – 24 month old children with PAS in either 3 hours/day (Moderate Dose) or 6 hours/day (High Dose) for 5 days/week for 4 weeks.  Treatment will occur in a homelike or natural setting where trained therapists (certified in the I-ACQUIRE protocol) apply operant conditioning techniques to reinforce and shape new and more advanced upper extremity skills through interesting, fun, and everyday games, exploration, and self-help activities.  For each child, treatment goals are set with parents who also participate in daily home practice (about 45 minutes/day) with their child.  I-ACQUIRE includes all of the core features of pediatric Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT).  Fidelity of implementing the I-ACQUIRE protocol is monitored regularly via videotaped sessions.  For children in the U&CT group, their community therapists will document treatment in terms of type, dosage, and child progress over the 4 weeks of active treatment.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Post-stroke Motor Recovery A phase 2 Study (TRANSPORT2)
Location: MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital
Purpose: Understand the treatment effects or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on arm movement after stroke.
Contact: For more information contact Margot Giannetti, (202) 877-1071 or Margot.Giannetti@medstar.net

MNRH Recovery Trials

JUNIPER
Location: MedStar National Rehabilitation Network
Purpose: Assess a new Botox Treatment for the arm to determine safety and effectiveness.
Inclusion Criteria: 35 to 75 years of age, Spasticity in Elbow, Wrist and Fingers, >6 months post stroke or TBI.
Contact: Kathy Brady, PT, NCS (202) 877-1022 or Kathaleen.p.Brady@MedStar.net

Functional Arm use after Stroke (FAST)
Purpose: Improve the use of accelerometry as a tool to measure arm use after stroke.
Inclusion Criteria: >18 years, stroke occurred > 1 year OR newly admitted to inpatient rehab continue to to experience arm weakness.
Contact Person: Abby Mitchell, OTR/L 202-877-1464 or Abigail.M.Mitchell@medstar.net

PISCES
Purpose: Assess the effects and safety of placing Stem Cells in the brain to increase function.
Inclusion Criteria: 35-75 years of age, Ischemic Stroke, 6 months to 2 years post stroke.
Contact Person: Kathy Brady, PT, NCS, 202-877-1022 or Kathaleen.p.Brady@MedStar.net

Brain-based Understanding of Individual Language Differences after stroke (BUILD)
Purpose: To help us understand why recovery from stroke is different for each individual stroke survivor.
Inclusion Criteria: >18 years, left hemisphere stroke, no other neurological issues, able to have an MRI.
Contact Person: Elizabeth Lacey, PhD, 202-877-1124 or Elzabeth.Lacey@georgetown.edu 

Cognition and Emotion after Stroke (CES)
Purpose: Gain more knowledge about difficulties people with stroke face in everyday life
Inclusion Criteria: >18 years stroke >16 months ago, no other neurological problems
Contact Person: Anna Greenwald, PhD, 202-687-0764, as2266@georgetown.edu