Robot Assisted Training for the Upper Limb after Stroke
Research type
Research Study
Full title
RATULS: Robot Assisted Training for the Upper Limb after Stroke
IRAS ID
132298
Contact name
Helen Rodgers
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospital
Research summary
Loss of arm function is a common and distressing consequence of stroke. Currently it is unclear how best to provide therapy to improve arm recovery. Research suggests that robot-assisted training may be beneficial but this is not yet proven and further research is needed. Robot-assisted training consists of the use of a machine or ‘robot’ to exercise the arm.
This research study is a three group multicentre randomised controlled trial to determine whether robot-assisted training improves upper limb function after stroke. Robot-assisted training will be compared to i) an enhanced upper limb therapy programme consisting of repeated practice of everyday activities using the arm and ii) usual NHS rehabilitation. Stroke patients with reduced arm function who wish to take part in the trial will be randomly assigned to either robot-assisted training, enhanced upper limb therapy or usual NHS rehabilitation.
Robot-assisted training and enhanced upper limb therapy will be delivered for 45 minutes, 3 times per week for 12 weeks, in addition to usual rehabilitation. Robot-assisted training will use the InMotion robotic gym system which comprises three modules to exercise the shoulder/elbow, wrist and hand. Enhanced upper limb therapy will consist of upper limb rehabilitation goal setting followed by practice of everyday activities to work towards the goals.
The effectiveness of robot-assisted training will be evaluated by comparing the upper limb function of patients in each randomisation group at 3 and 6 months.
The study will run for 57 months and aims to recruit 720 stroke patients from up to 16 NHS stroke services and their surrounding primary care localities.
REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NE/0274
Date of REC Opinion
5 Nov 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion