Somatosensory stimulation for unilateral neglect (SSUN) post stroke
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mobilization and tactile stimulation (MTS) to improve unilateral neglect post stroke: a pilot and feasibility study
IRAS ID
353466
Contact name
Ali Aries
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Keele university
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Every 90 seconds someone in the United Kingdom has an acquired brain injury e.g., a stroke. Some people become unable to attend to something they see, hear or feel on one side of their body (the opposite side of their brain injury). When this occurs, it is referred to as having unilateral neglect. Different treatment approaches are used to address unilateral neglect such as mobilization and tactile stimulation (MTS), involving massage and movements by a therapist, including stretching of the hand/forearm. However, it is not known if MTS works to treat unilateral neglect.
In this study, six to eight stroke survivors with unilateral neglect, more than 20 weeks after stroke, will be invited through Midland Partnership University Foundation Trust Integrated Community Stroke Services to receive MTS. The treatment will take place at their home or in an appropriate hospital-based room if more convenient. This part of the study will take 10 weeks to complete and involves two weeks baseline period (with no MTS treatment), six weeks intervention period (with daily MTS treatment for 45-60 minutes), and two weeks withdrawal period with no MTS treatment. On completion of the treatment the stroke survivors and carers will be invited to a group interview to share their experiences.
Changes in unilateral neglect behaviour will be measured using outcome measures (a test where people cross out letters, the fluff test where people are asked to remove targets (stickers) from their body) and another test observing simple daily activities e.g. eating. These will be done daily by a carer/friend (who will be consented and trained to do this) and on specific days by the treating physiotherapist. This project is an important step towards developing evidence-based practice, in relation to treatment of unilateral neglect post stroke. Sponsored: by Keele University as part of a PhD in Physiotherapy.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/WM/0112
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jul 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion