Researchers from
The University of Bath and the Chippenham
Stroke Unit are playing a major role in a three-year programme to develop a special device which can be fitted inside caps or gloves.
Patients recovering from stroke and suffering paralysis can wear these devices to let them know if they are taking enough exercise to restore the use of their limbs.
At present people typically receive three to six months physiotherapy after suffering a stroke to encourage them to use their paralysed limb as much as they can to regain mobility. But when the physiotherapy ends they may stop trying because they are not getting encouragement, and so may once again lose mobility.
The devices the team are developing will be worn for part of the day and will store data electronically when the stroke victim moves which can later be read by users. This will tell them if they need to do more exercise and if they need to vary their movement or try for better balance.
The researchers are also exploring the possibility of the device being remotely connected to equipment in a GP's or physiotherapist's office so that expert feedback will also be possible.
The team working on the devices includes experts from the University of Bath, the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases and the Chippenham Stroke Unit. The project is co-ordinated by Sheffield Hallam University. The work is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.