Noninvasive vagal nerve stimulation for arm recovery after stroke
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility and acceptability of transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation in recovery of upper limb function post stroke
IRAS ID
186734
Contact name
Jessica Redgrave
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
This study will find out whether electrical stimulation of a nerve called the “vagus” nerve is acceptable for patients undergoing physiotherapy for arm weakness after a stroke. 20 patients will be recruited if they had a stroke between 4 and 48 months previously and have been left with reduced function in the affected arm. Patients will receive 3 sessions of physiotherapy per week for 6 weeks. Each session will last 1 hour during which the patient will be asked to perform specific movements e.g. shuffling cards, reaching for a shelf. With each arm movement the therapist will turn on a stimulator which is worn clipped to the patients ear. This will deliver a short burst of electricity creating a mild tingling sensation.
At the end of the session, the stimulator will be removed and the patient will be asked to rate the level of any discomfort or fatigue they experienced as well as any other side effects. The therapist will also record whether the stimulator device interfered with the therapy in any way. A heart tracing will be performed at each visit to check the heart rhythm. At the start and end of the 6 week course of physiotherapy, patients arm weakness and level of arm function will be assessed, as well as their general levels of fatigue, mood and quality of life. These will be reassessed at 1 month and 6 months after the course of physiotherapy has ended. We will also interview patients to establish how they found the treatment itself. If the vagal nerve stimulation combined with physiotherapy is acceptable to patients and therapists and there are no safety concerns, we will plan a larger trial of this treatment in stroke patients.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/YH/0397
Date of REC Opinion
13 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion