Assistive Technologies for the Rehabilitation of the Arm following Stroke - The ATRAS Project - NIHR Programme Grant for Applied Research RP-PR-0707-10012

Abstract

Introduction About 50% of all acute stroke patients starting rehabilitation have marked functional impairment of the arm. Only 14% of these will regain any useful function. Assistive technologies (ATs) may be useful in Upper Limb Rehabilitation Following Stroke (ULRFS) - ATs being defined as a device used in a functional task orientated training process which will have a systemic or rehabilitative effect on the person. This includes constraint induced movement therapy, rehabilitation robots, functional electrical stimulation, active orthoses, biofeedback etc. Few clinical trials have assessed the rehabilitation benefits of AT’s alone or in combination. ATRAS therefore seeks to address this and develop an evidence based care pathway. Methods To identify the most promising AT’s and combinations via a series of work packages (WP’s). WP1-To determine current treatment methods and outcome measures used in England WP2- To determine what AT’s exist to improve upper limb function and undertake systematic reviews of each. WP3-To investigate any barriers to the use of AT’s by patients, clinicians and commissioners WP4- To undertake a clinical trial to assess the cost effectiveness of AT’s alone or in combination based on WP2 and WP3 and compare them with the current treatment defined in WP1 WP5-To propose a new service delivery model based on WP4 for an evidence based care pathway for ULRFS WP6- Dissemination We are keen to hear from anyone who has experience in ULRFS. This is a great chance for you to become involved and influence practice. Please contact joanna.regan@salisburyfes.com.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Ann-Marie Hughes: orcid.org/0000-0002-3958-8206

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