Pilot study investigating potential benefits of electrical stimulation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pilot study investigating the potential benefits of electrical stimulation of the wrist extensors in acute stroke.
IRAS ID
186040
Contact name
Elaine Hunter
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Margaret University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
This is a small, unfunded study forming part of a Masters Degree in Clinical Research.
The principle investigator is supported by experienced researchers from Queen Margaret University and from the NHS Fife Research and Development Department.
Effective rehabilitation following stroke is essential for a person to regain their former level of independence. Electrical Stimulation (ES) of muscles may help a person regain some movement. However, as noted in the SIGN 118 guidelines, there is insufficient evidence regarding upper limb ES after stroke. Wrist extension is an essential component of recovery of functional grip. This study therefore investigates the potential benefits of ES of wrist extensors.
Studies on ES have shown some people may gain more movement than without it.
This study looks at potential benefits on wrist / hand movement when ES is added to usual therapy early after a stroke. This study is appropriate as few studies report on ES for wrist and hand function so early after stroke.Participants will be from the Acute Stroke Unit, Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy.
They will have little or no active wrist movement, due to a stroke, within six weeks prior to recruitment.
There will be two groups. Both groups receiving therapy as usual.
The 'passive movement' group will receive advice on passive wrist exercises, and asked to record how often they exercised over a four week period.
The 'ES' group will receive 12- 20 ES sessions, lasting 20 minutes, to their affected wrist extensors over a four week period. They will be invited to participate in an interview regarding using ES.Tests of range of movement, sensation, and function will be carried out prior to and after the intervention period, then a further four weeks after this.
Data collected will be tested for normality of distribution, then appropriate statistical tests will be used for within and between group analyses.
Reference:
Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. 2010. 118. Management of patients with stroke: Rehabilitation, prevention and management of complications, and discharge planning. A national clinical guideline. Edinburgh: SIGN.REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2
REC reference
16/ES/0005
Date of REC Opinion
22 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion