None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The proposed research study will trial an arm skate embedded with a computer mouse (the Smart Skate) and virtual reality (VR) to establish the effectiveness as therapeutic table-top rehabilitation for the weakened upper limb of subjects who have suffered a stroke. VR is where a computer displays task-based ‘games’ that direct and prompt the user to exercise whilst providing feedback on performance. This will be done by comparing the outcomes of 4 - 6 weeks of 4 sessions per week Smart Skate + VR therapy in a group of people with hemiparesis as a result of stroke (chronic stroke participants). Assessment using an established physical outcome measure (the Fugl-Meyer assessment) and strength testing will occur before and after the intervention.
Interventions
We are studying the effectiveness of a non-robotic assistive device (the Smart Skate) used in conjunction with computer games (virtual reality) in improving arm function in stroke survivors. The Smart Skate is a unilateral exercise device which is operated on a table top, similar conceptually to traditional sliding board exercises to allow reaching while supported against gravity. The Smart Skate comprises a tray that supports the lower arm, with Velcro straps to hold the arm on the tray. Embedd
We are studying the effectiveness of a non-robotic assistive device (the Smart Skate) used in conjunction with computer games (virtual reality) in improving arm function in stroke survivors. The Smart Skate is a unilateral exercise device which is operated on a table top, similar conceptually to traditional sliding board exercises to allow reaching while supported against gravity. The Smart Skate comprises a tray that supports the lower arm, with Velcro straps to hold the arm on the tray. Embedded within the support, beneath the hand, is a standard computer mouse that controls a cursor on a computer screen. Participants play a range of specially developed computer games which encourage reaching movements. The intervention last for 4 - 6 weeks, with participants playing 45 - 60 min of computer games 4 days per week until a 16 hours of intervention is completed, based on the findings of Kwakkel et al (2004). Participants are supervised and the amount of time spent playing computer games is recorded to determine adherence.
Sponsors
Kimberlee Jordan
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Primary purpose
Treatment
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Obtained and signed (self or legal carer) informed consent. Completed Physician/Doctor medical clearance. Diagnosis of ischaemic or haemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident as included in the World Health Organization ICD-10 classification system I61, I62.9, I63, and I64 categories, and at least 6 months post stroke
Exclusion criteria
Inability to provide informed consent. Pre-existing neurological conditions or previous brain trauma. Range of movement limitation due to pain, previous trauma or pre-existing conditions. Diagnosed psychological disorder at time of screening that is likely to prevent full participation. Inability to correctly visualize a sample screen of the trial virtual reality computer game. Unstable medical status Upper limb lymphodema. MRC Grade 0, 1, or 5 for shoulder flexion and elbow flexion power
Outcome results
None listed