A clinical investigation of a novel FES system
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A clinical investigation of a novel functional electrical stimulation system (FES-UPP) for early post-stroke upper limb rehabilitation in 3 clinical settings
IRAS ID
206566
Contact name
L Kenney
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Salford
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
Around 150,000 experience a stroke each year in the UK, leaving large numbers of people living with the consequences of a stroke. One long term problem experienced by at least half the people who survive a stroke is reduced function in their affected upper limb.
A number research studies have shown that repetitive practicing of upper limb activities can help drive upper limb recovery following stroke. However, current therapy early after stroke is characterised by relatively little time spent practicing upper limb tasks.
The focus for this study is functional electrical stimulation, which uses small electrical pulses to cause muscle contractions, sequenced in such a way as to assist with the performance of functional tasks. This technology offers the potential to deliver high doses of therapy, but without needing a therapist to be continuously present. A number of research studies have shown that its use may help to improve arm function following a stroke.
However, there are limitations with current FES devices. For instance, many of the devices are difficult to use effectively with people who have weakness about multiple joints, while others are inflexible in the way in which they are controlled. To address this we have developed a new FES system designed to support people with arm problems following a stroke to practice functional tasks. The system has sufficient channels of stimulation to generate muscle contractions around all upper limb joints. Further, the system uses information from movement sensors to decide which muscles to stimulate and when, offering flexibility in control. In this first study of the new system we are exploring whether its use supports people with stroke to perform upper limb tasks they would otherwise be unable to perform unaided and how usable therapists find the system.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/YH/0258
Date of REC Opinion
30 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion