Medical Research

Have you had a stroke in the last 14 weeks?

Researchers are conducting a study into the recovery of arm function following stroke, and the effect that specific exercises might have.

Why is the research being done?

Many people who have a stroke have difficulty moving their arm and hand. More research is needed to define which arm therapies work for different people. Despite currently available treatments, many people have not regained enough movement to use their affected arm easily in their daily life at 6 months after stroke.

The study may inform future treatments to boost function of the arm and hand after stroke.

Who can participate?

A person may enter the study if all of the following apply:

1. They have had a stroke 10-14 weeks ago
2. They are now at home or in a care home / sheltered accommodation (no longer in hospital)
3. They still have some arm movement limitations - people enrolling this this study must be unable to pick up a 6mm ball-bearing from a table top, between index finger and thumb, and place it on a shelf 37 cm above table. This correlates to a certain score on a standardised arm function test.
4. They are able to understand what the study involves and give their consent

What is involved?

After a person consents to take part, a researcher will arrange to visit them at home, and:

• Ask them a number of questions about their current condition,
• Perform assessments that measure arm and hand function, and sensation. Participants will be asked to attempt a number of tasks and different arm movements, with different objects. These assessments will take approximately 2 hours.

The study runs for 6 weeks. Researcher(s) will visit the participant at their home for each of the study sessions.

Participants who enrol in the study will be randomly assigned (like a toss of a coin) to a group within the study. One group of participants will receive either a programme of specific arm and hand exercises, supervised in the home. The other group of participants will receive their usual care.

To assess the impact of the interventions, both groups will complete assessments at 6 weeks and again at 6 months. These will be conducted in the participant’s home by a researcher.

Optional sub-study

For participants living within the Hunter New England region of NS will be invited to participate in an optional sub-study. This will involve a visit to the movement laboratory at the Hunter Medical Research Institute. The visit will take approximately 1 hour and will be performed at week 6 of the study. Arm and hand movements will be recorded and analysed in detail with motion analysis cameras.

Download participant information statements

Click here to download participant information statement

Register your interest

To find out more or to register your interest please contact:

• Dr Meredith Tavener -(02) 4042 0684 or meredith.tavener@newcastle.edu.au
• Professor Paulette van Vliet - paulette.vanvliet@newcastle.edu.au

This study is being supported by a grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Hunter Stroke Research Register