Development and Initial Testing of an Innovative Rehab Portable Device
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development and Initial Testing of an Innovative Targeted pOsture-and-griP-STrEngth Rehabilitation (TOPSTER) Glove-Based Device for Stroke Patients
IRAS ID
252340
Contact name
Ukadike Chris Ugbolue
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University ofthe West of Scotland
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
2018-004065-13, EudraCT
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Stroke is a clinical priority within Scotland and the Scottish Government Stroke Improvement Plan highlights the importance of effective interventions that support Stroke survivors by promoting self-care and independent living. Upper limb problems are common after stroke. Patients do not get enough therapy and novel technology to aid rehabilitation is not available. This project will investigate the efficacy of remotely monitoring home rehabilitation exercises among stroke survivors using an advanced rehabilitation prototype exercise glove called TOPSTER. The project will also involve determining via interviews the acceptability, usability and potential benefits with ten patients recovering from stroke. The findings of this study will inform further refinement of the TOPSTER as a basis for a future clinical trial.
Summary of Results
Stroke is a clinical priority within Scotland and the Scottish Government Stroke Improvement Plan highlights the importance of effective interventions that support Stroke survivors by promoting self-care and independent living. To date remotely monitoring home rehabilitation exercises among stroke survivors remains a key challenge. This proposed research aimed to: (a) demonstrate the functionality and usability of an advanced rehabilitation prototype exercise glove called TOPSTER and (b) determine via qualitative interviews its acceptability and potential benefits to five clinicians and ten patients recovering from stroke.
NHS Lanarkshire ethics and University of the West of Scotland ethics were granted prior to embarking on the study. A novel TOPSTER glove-based device was designed, developed and evaluated biomechanically. The novel TOPSTER glove-based device consisted of a streamlined knitted glove connected to a customised instrumented hardware in the form of an exoskeleton. Five clinical stroke team members (including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, student nurses and clinicians) and ten patients recovering from a stroke participated in the study. Clinicians and patients provided feedback via semi-structured interviews after observing the demonstration session performed by the Chief Investigator. The findings of this study will inform further refinement of the TOPSTER as a basis for a future clinical trial.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
19/WS/0016
Date of REC Opinion
11 Mar 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion