Health UK (Commonwealth Union) – Stroke rehabilitation is a comprehensive and dynamic process aimed at helping individuals regain functionality and independence after a stroke. The effects of a stroke can vary widely, affecting mobility, speech, cognition, and overall motor skills. Rehabilitation programs are tailored to address the specific needs of each patient, considering the severity of the stroke and its impact on various aspects of their daily life.
A team at the University of Southampton has developed an electronic glove designed to facilitate movement in the paralyzed hand of stroke survivors, aiding in their rehabilitation. The glove features printed electrodes on the sleeve, establishing contact with the skin to transmit electronic impulses. These impulses stimulate the nerves and muscles, generating artificial movements that empower stroke survivors to regain muscle strength and enhance functionality in their affected side.
Rehabilitation after a stroke is a collaborative effort involving a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. Physiatrists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, nurses, and psychologists work together to create an individualized rehabilitation plan. This team approach ensures a holistic and well-rounded approach to address the diverse challenges faced by stroke survivors.
Therapists generally work with patients to strengthen weakened muscles, enhance coordination, and retrain the body to perform daily activities independently. Exercises may include walking drills, range of motion exercises, and balance training with the aim of restoring functional mobility.
Kai Yang, Professor of E-textiles in Healthcare, and her team at the University of Southampton’s Winchester School of Art have designed and crafted an innovative glove to aid stroke survivors in their rehabilitation. Professor Yang emphasized the importance of creating a user-friendly solution for home use, recognizing the challenges faced by stroke survivors who tire easily during lengthy rehabilitation sessions. The glove allows them to engage in short, convenient rehabilitation blocks tailored to their schedule, promoting consistent practice to regain muscle strength and mobility.
Utilizing the school’s industrial knitting machines, the prototype glove incorporates printed electrodes within the sleeve. These electrodes are connected to an electronic control unit, offering users the flexibility to adjust the stimulation level according to their needs.
Collaborating with the charity Different Strokes Southampton, led by stroke survivors for stroke survivors, Professor Yang worked closely with Dave Lea, a stroke survivor from Chandler’s Ford, who experienced a major stroke in 2015, leaving him predominantly paralyzed on his right side. The glove has proven transformative for Mr. Lea, enabling movement in his paralyzed right hand after eight years of limited mobility. Describing the experience as “life-changing,” Mr. Lea and his wife, Sarah, expressed the profound impact the glove could have on the lives of stroke survivors, highlighting its potential to bring about significant positive changes.
Ranj Parmar, who is Group Coordinator at Different Strokes Southampton as well as a stroke survivor himself, says “The benefits of the stroke rehabilitation sleeve are extremely impactful. It allows stroke survivors to be able to continue their rehab many weeks and months after their stroke. It enables a stroke survivor to open their affected hand and when performed repeatedly it should enable the opening and closing of the hand more easily.”
Professor Yang is currently in the process of enhancing the prototype glove’s design by collaborating with additional stroke survivors. Subsequently, she plans to initiate a home usability test, involving stroke survivors who will use the glove multiple times daily. After completing this phase, her next step involves pursuing regulatory approval. Once regulatory approval is secured, Professor Yang aims to partner with a manufacturer to upscale the production of the glove.
“We are delighted with the prototype and would like to see this become a product that’s available to all stroke survivors, to help improve their recovery and their quality of life,” she added.
