Repetitive sensory stimulation after a stroke.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
EFFECT OF REPETITIVE UPPER LIMB SENSORY STIMULATION IMMEDIATELY AFTER A STROKE (PULSE): A PILOT RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL
IRAS ID
215137
Contact name
Kausik Chatterjee
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Countess of Chester NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 28 days
Research summary
Following a stroke its estimated 80% of patients experience some motor (movement) and sensory (feeling) loss of limbs due to brain damage. \nRehabilitation for patients can be long and arduous, involving considerable physical and mental personal dedication which for several reasons is often abandoned; Evidence demonstrates that in the long term only 50% of these patients recover upper limb function, and thus remain dependent in many activities of daily living. \nAlthough damaged neurons cannot regenerate, neuronal connections can be remodeled and nerve pathways altered to improve motor and sensory performance. This phenomenon is known as neuroplasticity and is one of the major factors in improvement in movement and sensation in the upper limb following stroke. \n Previous studies have shown Repetitive Sensory Stimulation (RSS) induces neuro-plasticity of the cells around the damaged areas of the brain and this research aims to identify trends for effectiveness of RSS in improving upper limb function immediately after a stroke. \nThe Tipstim glove is a pioneering medical device which provides painless RSS to the affected hand of the stroke patient and is worn for 45 minutes daily over a period of 2 weeks; it should be emphasised that this is a passive therapy & can be done whilst the patient watches TV or reads. It requires no physical or mental input from the patient.\nPatients who have been admitted to the stroke unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital and diagnosed as having experienced a stroke, will be recruited following inclusion/exclusion criteria; it is estimated that 40-60 patients will be recruited over a 16 month period - half will be randomised to the intervention glove plus standard care, and half to the standard care without the glove. \nThis is a pilot study; it’s planned then to roll out a multi-centre larger study. \n
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0771
Date of REC Opinion
16 Nov 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion