Sensory stimulation of the foot and ankle post-stroke. Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Sensory stimulation of the foot and ankle early post-stroke: A feasibility study (MoTaStim-Foot)
IRAS ID
171968
Contact name
Alison M Aries
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Keele University
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN13676183
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
Does mobilization and sensory stimulation to the foot of stroke survivors impact on ability to balance and walk after stroke? \nStroke survivors (83%) have difficulty balancing and walking, especially if the feeling or movement in the foot has altered. Therapists use stretching, movement, and stimulation of joints, muscles and skin of the foot and ankle to improve standing and walking after stroke. Sometimes textured insoles are also used to increase feeling in the foot during walking exercises. However, these treatments have not been formally evaluated in stroke. \nIn this feasibility study, 34 adult stroke survivors (6-16 weeks after stroke), will be recruited from the stroke service in Stoke-on-Trent. They will be randomised to either: 1) stretching, movement and stimulation of the foot and ankle, plus walking exercises; 2) textured insole in the shoe and walking exercises. Both groups will be treated for twenty sessions lasting up to one and a half hours, over six weeks. The ability to feel the foot, move, balance, and walk will be measured by a therapist unaware of the treatment given to each participant, before, during and after the treatment. Participants will be asked to keep a daily diary of how their leg changes during the six weeks, and will be invited to a focus group to discuss their experiences. Each participant will be involved in the study for up to four months.\nThe cost of stroke rehabilitation within the NHS is vast. It is vital time is spent exploring and analysing routine therapy treatments to ensure rehabilitation services delivered are both successful and cost effective. This project is an important step towards developing evidence based practice, in relation to treatment of the lower limb post stroke.\nFunded: by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) as part of a Clinical Academic Doctoral Fellowship.\n
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/WM/0080
Date of REC Opinion
4 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion