A Qualitative and Usability Evaluation of Advanced Technologies for Home Upper Limb Neurorehabilitation Post-stroke

Launched by TAN TOCK SENG HOSPITAL · May 6, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring new ways to help people recover use of their arms after having a stroke. Because many patients struggle to get enough therapy at home due to limited resources, this study is testing three different rehabilitation devices—MyoPanda, H-Man, and ReHandyBot—that will be used at home to support upper limb recovery. By using these devices, the aim is to help patients regain function in their arms more effectively and increase their chances of recovery.

To participate in the trial, individuals must be between 21 and 80 years old, have had a stroke at least 28 days prior, and show some impairment in arm movement. They also need to be able to sit up for an hour and have someone at home who can help supervise the exercises. Participants will use the devices at home and provide feedback on how well they work. It's important to note that individuals with certain health conditions or limitations may not qualify for the study. Overall, this trial seeks to find new, accessible rehabilitation methods that can significantly improve recovery for stroke patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Clinical stroke (ischaemic or haemorrhagic) confirmed by admitting doctors and CT, CT angiography or MRI brain imaging
• • 2. Age 21 to 80 years, both males and females
• • 3. At least 28 days post-stroke
• • 4. Upper limb motor impairment of Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) scale 20 to 50
• • 5. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) \> 21/30
• • 6. Ability to sit supported and continuously for 60 minutes
• • 7. Stable home abode with enough space to place technologies
• • 8. Has a carer/next of kin to supervise home-based exercises
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Functional impairment of the upper limb due to other pathologies
• • 2. Medical conditions incompatible with research participation: uncontrolled medical illnesses (hypertension or diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, bronchial asthma, severe /untreated depression, agitation, end stage renal/liver/heart/lung failure, unresolved cancers)
• • 3. Anticipated life expectancy of less than 6 months
• • 4. Pacemakers and other active implants
• • 5. Active seizures within 3 months
• 6. Local factors potentially worsened by intensive technology-aided upper-limb therapy and computer-based training:
• • Spasticity - modified Ashworth Scale MAS \> 2 of any upper limb muscle groups
• • Severe pain in affected arm - Visual Analogue Scale for pain VAS \> 5/10
• • Skin wounds
• • 7. Cognitive impairment precluding study participation
• • 8. Severe visual impairment or visual neglect affecting ability to use technologies
• • 9. History of dementia, depression or behavioural problems
• • 10. Pregnant or lactating females will not be allowed to participate