Neuroplasticity With Daily Use of a Sensorimotor Priming Vibration System to Improve Hand Function After Stroke

The study design is a double-blinded randomized controlled study. Subjects will wear the device for at least 8 hours/day every day for a month, during which they will come to the laboratory for weekly evaluation. Follow-up evaluation will occur 3 months after. The device will deliver vibration (treatment) or no vibration (control).

Inclusion criteria

• Chronic stroke survivor (>= 6 months post stroke)
• Ability to move an object with the paretic hand
• Fingertip sensory deficits
• Ability to put on a watch daily (by oneself or with help)

Exclusion criteria

• Currently undergoing other upper extremity rehabilitation therapy
• Upper limb botulinum toxin within 3 months prior to or during enrollment
• Change in neurological disorder medications during the enrollment
• Complete upper limb deafferentation
• Rigidity (Modified Ashworth Scale=5)
• Brainstem stroke
• Comorbidity (peripheral neuropathy, orthopaedic conditions in the hand that limit ranges of motion, premorbid neurologic conditions, compromised skin integrity of the hand/wrist due to long-term use of blood thinners)
• Language barrier or cognitive impairment that precludes following instructions and/or providing consent

If a participant has contraindications for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), the participant will not do TMS.