A Randomized Controlled Trial Finds NeuroAnimation May Produce Twice the Upper Limb Progress of Conventional Stroke Approaches

The SMARTS2 trial, published in Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, compared NeuroAnimation directly against standard high-dose stroke programs.

Study Context

The SMARTS2 randomized controlled trial, led by Johns Hopkins University and Columbia University researchers, directly compared NeuroAnimation’s immersive movement engagement wellness program against conventional high-dose upper-limb approaches in people with subacute stroke. Both groups received identical session time. Only the type of movement engagement differed.

The Evidence

The trial used the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), a validated clinical measure of upper limb function, as its primary outcome. Participants in the NeuroAnimation group experienced approximately twice the ARAT score gains compared to the standard of care. The difference was attributed to the enriched, exploratory nature of NeuroAnimation’s movement engagement model.

Key Finding

2x

Average ARAT score gains observed in the NeuroAnimation group versus the Standard of Care. (SMARTS2 RCT)

What The Research Shows

• NeuroAnimation participants showed average ARAT gains of 7.3 points, approximately double those of the standard of care approach.
• Published in Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, a leading peer-reviewed journal in the field
• Led by Johns Hopkins and Columbia University research teams

What This May Mean For You

If you or someone you love has experienced limited progress through conventional stroke programs, this study suggests that the type of movement engagement, not just the time spent, may play a meaningful role. NeuroAnimation’s approach, grounded in neuroplasticity science, may support progress that other approaches leave unexplored.