Proximal upper limb recovery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Does high repetition reaching training early after a stroke promote recovery by strengthening connections from the hemisphere unaffected by the stroke?
IRAS ID
184096
Contact name
Ulrike Hammerbeck
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The aim of this study is to test whether early after stroke is the only time in which training can make the contribution from the non-stroke hemisphere functionally useful. Background: Recovery of arm movements after stroke is possible as the brain can form new connections and rehabilitation therapy relies on this. Animal experiments show that early after stroke recovery occurs through mechanisms only available at this period. We want to see if we can encourage the side of the brain unaffected by stroke to make new connections during this early period since our previous work suggests that this is less likely later after stroke. This could lead to an improvement in arm function in the short and long-term. Methods: We will invite 40 patients with arm weakness to take part within 3 weeks of their stroke. Half the patients will receive early (within the first 6 weeks after stroke) intensive training over 6 days to improve the movement in their arm. The remaining patients will receive usual care and will be used as a comparison. The control group will be offered training at the end of the study. Selection of the groups will be random. We will measure how early reaching training affects the strength of new connections in the brain by using brain stimulation techniques. These are well established, safe and painless. To see if these changes are lasting, we will repeat the measure 3 months after the stroke. Expected outcomes: The study will improve our understanding of the process of brain recovery early after stroke. If effective, it will lead to further clinical trials with greater numbers of participants to confirm this theory. This finding would reinforce the importance of intensive physiotherapy during this window of opportunity; ultimately improving recovery for stroke patients.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0703
Date of REC Opinion
29 Sep 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion