Tele‑CPASS is a next‑generation stroke rehabilitation program that brings intensive, meaningful upper‑limb therapy to patients exactly when the brain is most ready to change, during a critical period in the first 0–4 months after stroke.
Remember, we can improve arm-hand function at any time after stroke with dedicated intensive neurorehabilitation. But during this time‑sensitive critical period window, the brain’s capacity for rewiring (neuroplasticity) is heightened. Our prior CPASS work showed that 20 hours of additional, structured neurorehabilitation during this window can produce substantial improvements in hand and arm function compared with usual care.
Remember, we can improve arm-hand function at any time after stroke with dedicated intensive neurorehabilitation. But during this time‑sensitive critical period window, the brain’s capacity for rewiring (neuroplasticity) is heightened. Our prior CPASS work showed that 20 hours of additional, structured neurorehabilitation during this window can produce substantial improvements in hand and arm function compared with usual care.
What is CPASS therapy? CPASS therapy is patient‑centered, driven by therapy goals that are most meaningful for patients.
Instead of generic exercises, we start with activities that matter to each person - like cooking, bathing, reading to a child, or doing laundry and we “shape” these into progressive therapeutic tasks. This approach keeps training relevant, challenging, and motivating, while still targeting the motor control needed for daily life.
Instead of generic exercises, we start with activities that matter to each person - like cooking, bathing, reading to a child, or doing laundry and we “shape” these into progressive therapeutic tasks. This approach keeps training relevant, challenging, and motivating, while still targeting the motor control needed for daily life.
Access where it counts: home.
After hospital discharge, outpatient therapy hours often drop—right when patients could benefit most. To close that gap, Tele‑CPASS is delivered in‑person or remotely via secure telehealth. We offer digital access support (loaner tablets and data plans if needed) and caregiver coaching to make participation feasible, especially for patients who cannot drive or live far from clinics. Our trial is intentionally designed to support equitable access for communities with historically limited rehabilitation options.
After hospital discharge, outpatient therapy hours often drop—right when patients could benefit most. To close that gap, Tele‑CPASS is delivered in‑person or remotely via secure telehealth. We offer digital access support (loaner tablets and data plans if needed) and caregiver coaching to make participation feasible, especially for patients who cannot drive or live far from clinics. Our trial is intentionally designed to support equitable access for communities with historically limited rehabilitation options.
AI/ML that measures what matters: real‑world use.
Clinical tests capture what someone can do in the clinic. We also want to know what they actually do at home. Tele‑CPASS uses wrist‑worn sensors and machine‑learning models to distinguish functional arm/hand use (e.g., preparing a meal) from non‑functional motion (e.g., arm swing while walking). These objective accelerometry‑based metrics help therapists calibrate dose, progress difficulty, and personalize training to each person’s daily routines.
Clinical tests capture what someone can do in the clinic. We also want to know what they actually do at home. Tele‑CPASS uses wrist‑worn sensors and machine‑learning models to distinguish functional arm/hand use (e.g., preparing a meal) from non‑functional motion (e.g., arm swing while walking). These objective accelerometry‑based metrics help therapists calibrate dose, progress difficulty, and personalize training to each person’s daily routines.
Our study. We are conducting a randomized clinical trial to determine whether Tele‑CPASS is as effective as in‑person CPASS on standard clinical outcomes and AI/ML‑derived real‑world use. If successful, Tele‑CPASS could enable health systems to offer high‑quality, patient‑centered stroke rehabilitation at scale, precisely when it is most likely to change lives.
Who benefits? People within months of a stroke who want to improve everyday arm and hand function, particularly those facing transportation, scheduling, or cost barriers. Tele‑delivery and digital support make CPASS therapy more reachable for patients and families.
Would you like to help us make a change in how rehabilitation is given post stroke?
Please reach out, if
Please reach out, if
- You have experienced a stroke .
- You experience some motor impairment in your arm-hand - For example,
- Can you open or close your hand easily?
- Grasp a coffee mug or glass of water?
- Put on a t-shirt easily by lifting your arm?
- Comb the hair on back of your head?
- If you answered "no" to any of these questions or similar activities, we can help.
Call us on 915-747-7289 to schedule the next steps.
The project "Efficacy of Tele-CPASS, a Telerehabilitation Intervention Using Critical Periods After Stroke (CPASS), Compared to In-Person CPASS Therapy for Upper Extremity Motor Recovery" is supported by National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, (NIDILRR) grant 90IFST0026. The content, development, and maintenance of this web page are supported in part under grants with funding from NIDILRR, United States Departments of Health and Human Services (grant number 90IFST0026). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services The contents of this website do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.