Wearable Technology in Post Breast Surgery Upper Limb Rehabilitation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A study to investigate the use of wearable technology in upper limb rehabilitation post breast and axillary surgery
IRAS ID
327556
Contact name
Ahmed Latif
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 10 months, 7 days
Research summary
Our group has developed a computer system to help stroke survivors recover their arm function. The system is called OnTrack Rehab. OnTrack uses smart devices (a watch and a phone) to give activity feedback in real-time and remote support to help individuals manage their arm rehabilitation. A clinical study in the NHS showed promising outcomes (Fusari et al, 2022 and Taylor et al, 2022). We believe the benefits of this system are transferable, and can be utilised in the post-operative upper-limb rehabilitation of breast cancer patients undergoing axillary surgery. Up to a quarter of patients undergoing axillary surgery develop decreased shoulder range-of-movement and more than a third of patients experience shoulder pain 2 years post-operatively.
Trials demonstrate that dedicated exercise programmes result in decreased pain and lymphoedema, and increased shoulder range-of-movement and quality of life, with average savings of £387 per patient (PROSPER Trial 2021). Having said that, current NHS post-operative rehabilitation falls short, with no routine physiotherapy offered to all patients, and no screening of at risk patients. Even mild undiagnosed shoulder disability can profoundly impact patients' health related quality of life.
This study aims to investigate the utility of OnTrack amongst breast cancer patients. This will entail a Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) component regarding the system's usability and perceptions amongst patients, relatives, and healthcare professionals including breast surgeons, nurses and physiotherapists. We aim to test the App on healthy volunteers and breast cancer patients pre and post-operatively at one NHS Trust, to monitor and compare their arm movement in real-time and test the App's features' impact, including goal-setting and motivational messaging, on post-operative recovery. Participants will complete assessment relating to upper-limb weakness, function, pain, participation, system usability, and quality of life. All equipment needed for the study will be loaned to participants.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/PR/0049
Date of REC Opinion
29 Feb 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion