Dorset stroke patients taking part in hand and arm strength trial
The clinical tests are looking at the success of electrical stimulation
Stroke patients in Dorset are being asked to help test a possible new treatment, to improve arm and hand strength during their recovery.
A third of people who suffer a stroke are left with permanent weakness, with a clinical trial now looking into using electrical stimulation.
It's thought stimulating the vagus nerve while patients move their weak arm could result in faster recovery, compared with standard rehab therapy.
The TRICEPS (TRanscutaneous lImb reCovEry Post-Stroke) trial will see that happen through a lightweight, wearable pacemaker-like device, which connects to a wired earpiece, rather than an implant inserted under general anaesthetic.
The stimulation is automatically activated as the arm is moved during therapy and the connected earpiece gently tickles the ear, meaning people can access the treatment at home and without the need for invasive surgery.
University Hospitals Dorset and Dorset HealthCare have had people signing up to take park, but researchers need more people to come forward.
Consultant stroke therapist, Dr Louise Johnson, leads the study locally. She said:
“This is a really exciting and promising trial, and it’s unusual to be able to take part so long after having a stroke. I am confident there are plenty of people out there who are eligible, and would want to play a role in improving stroke rehabilitation, so please do come forward.”
Ian Odd, who had a stroke in 2020, is participating in the trial at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, and said:
"I would recommend it to anyone wanting to improve their quality of life post-stroke. It’s fantastic, and has certainly got me more disciplined with exercise. It’s well worth being involved.”
The £2 million trial is led by researchers in Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Sheffield and is running in 19 centres around the country.
The trial is being run from locations in Bournemouth, Sherborne and Dorchester.
To find out more, contact 0300 019 4504 if you live in BCP or east Dorset, or call 01935 601454 if you live elsewhere in the county.