ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- There may be new hope on the horizon for millions of stroke survivors who have significant disabilities.

Right now there are essentially no effective therapies available for these patients, but a new treatment is currently being tested in Colorado.

Half of all stroke survivors suffer hand and arm disabilities, making it hard to tie their shoes, comb their hair, and cut their food.

"They are accustomed to being able to move quickly and efficiently, and after the stroke that ability has been taken away," said Juliann Hanson-Zlatev, an occupational therapist.

A pivotal study that is taking place at Swedish Medical Center could give millions of stroke survivors the ability to live independently again.

"It's potentially a landmark study," said Dr. Don Smith, a neurologist.

In a randomized clinical trial, some patients will have an electronic stimulation device surgically implanted.

"The stimulation is delivered around the area of the stroke," said Smith.

During rehabilitation exercises, therapists will control the stimulation with a handheld computer and transmitter.

"The brain is what we call 'plastic,'" said Smith. "It can reorganize. It can relearn ways of doing things."

The hope is the electronic stimulation will make the relearning process more efficient. The result will then be compared with patients who had rehabilitation therapy alone.

"If it actually proves to be a very positive input, it means that a person's disability after a stroke may not be as severe and they may be able to do more for themselves more normally," said Hanson-Zlatev.

The clinical trial at Swedish Medical Center is still in the early phases. If you or someone you know would like to get involved, call (888) 546-9779 or visit the Colorado Neurological Institute Web site or Northstar Neuroscience.