Electrical stimulation therapy for arm recovery after stroke

Many people cannot use their affected arm following a stroke. Electrical stimulation treatment can help recovery, particularly if there is still some movement remaining, and the practice of everyday tasks can help the brain to relearn some of the lost movement. At present movement caused by electrical stimulation is usually passive and the user cannot actively control the stimulation. This study aims to test a small external device on the arm which, when the arm is moved, will trigger stimulation to help the arm to move forward and the hand to open. The researchers will test the device on 15 people who will use it for 12 weeks. They will carry out tests during treatment and 12 weeks after treatment has stopped. The aim is to develop the device so that electrical stimulation treatment may be more useful when performing everyday tasks.

Scientific Title: A study to assess the feasibility of accelerometer triggered electrical stimulation on recovery of upper limb function in chronic stroke patients

With thanks to the Herbert and Peter Blagrave Charitable Trust for supporting this award.

Classification:
Neurorehabilitation, Rehabilitation

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