ElectroMyographic Biomarkers for Rehabilitation after Stroke (EMBRS)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of high-density surface-electromyographic biomarkers to improve stroke rehabilitation, management, and prognosis
IRAS ID
321454
Contact name
Alejandra Aranceta-Garza
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
EP/W033526/1, Engineering Physical Sciences Research Council - New Investigator Award
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 26 days
Research summary
Rehabilitation following stroke aims to facilitate the restoration of the loss of physiological (and psychological) function, yet crucially, current clinical evaluations and motor rehabilitation assessments are carried out using relatively crude clinician and patient reported measures which decrease treatment efficiency and recovery rate.
This study aims to overcome limitations in current tools for measurement and assessment of stroke recovery, management, and rehabilitation. It will explore the underlying mechanisms and processes occurring between the central and the peripheral nervous system in the upper limb of people with stroke during functional tasks performance.
People admitted to the hyper-acute stroke units in Tayside and Grampian will be screened and those with first ever stroke with upper limb weakness, but some movement at the shoulder and fingers, have been referred to rehabilitation services and can provide informed consent will be identified on admission and assessed for inclusion to the study. The required sample is 120 participants recruited over 18 months. After recruitment participants will undergo detailed assessment of their general function and of their arm movements and function and of their motor unit activation using a specialised tool in muscle activity assessment, high-density surface electromyography. Participants will wear the sensors on their arm and shoulder as they perform some simple functional tasks. Additionally, they will carry out tests to assess grip strength, muscle tone and sensation in their affected arm. This procedure will take approximately 55 minutes. Assessments will occur as soon as possible after stroke admission, but within the two weeks, and will be repeated at 1.5, 3 and 6 months after stroke onset.
The data obtained will enable the development of biomarkers that will accurately predict motor-function, and guide the development of patient-centered rehabilitation therapies to tailor rehabilitation goals and maximisation of clinical efforts and patients’ expectations. This is envisioned to be a step-change in the current prognosis and management of stroke rehabilitation.REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/PR/0607
Date of REC Opinion
12 Jun 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion