Neural Correlates of Bilateral Arm Movements after Stroke (BI-ARMS)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the Neural Correlates of Bilateral Arm Movements after Stroke (BI-ARMS): A Cohort Study
IRAS ID
167075
Contact name
Pei Ling Choo
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Glasgow Caledonian University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Title: Exploring the Neural Correlates of Bilateral Arm Movements after Stroke (BI-ARMS): A Cohort Study
Background: Only 1/3 of stroke patients regain some functional use of their arms, affecting their independence, mood and quality of life. Rehabilitation interventions typically train the affected arm only. Evidence shows that bilateral training (BT)(i.e.training both arms together) is a potentially effective alternative. The theory is that the non-affected arm “teaches” the affected arm how to move. However, there are many modes of BT (e.g.both arms pushing/pulling bar handles together, one arm pushing and the other pulling the bar handles) and it is unclear which mode is best, for whom, and when it should be practised.
Importance: By measuring arm movement and brain activity under different BT modes in people with stroke in early (i.e.within 6 weeks after stroke) and later (i.e.at 12 weeks after stroke) phases, the rehabilitation potential of BT can be better understood.
Research Question: How do different modes of moving one arm and both arms (BT) compare in terms of movement (e.g.movement parameters including speed and smoothness) and brain activation in stroke patients? How do these differences evolve from early to later stroke?
Design: Cohort study with repeated measures.
Participants: 16 participants with early, right-sided stroke.
Setting: Glasgow Caledonian University(GCU)(clinical and movement assessments),New South Glasgow University Hospital(NSGUH)(magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) assessments).
Recruitment site(s): Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Procedure: Participants, who are discharged home after stroke, will undergo clinical and movement assessments (GCU) and MRI assessments (NSGUH) early after stroke. This is repeated at a later stage following stroke.
Outcomes: Comparison between different modes of moving one arm and both arms in terms of movement and brain activation in i)early and ii)later stroke. A scanning methodology that can examine brain activation in stroke patients during different arm movements will be developed.
Duration: 12 months
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
15/WS/0074
Date of REC Opinion
7 May 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion