Effects of a Compliant Arm Support on Post-stroke Upper Extremity Range of Motion

Stanford University6 enrolled

Overview

The aim of this study is to show that a wearable compliant arm support consisting of inflatable bladders with adjustable straps to connect them to the waist and arm can meaningfully increase the reachable workspace of persons with post-stroke arm weakness.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Arm Weakness as a Consequence of Stroke

Interventions

compliant supportDEVICE

Participants will be given compliant arm support and their reachable workspace measured

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * greater than 6 months post-stroke * passive abduction to 90 degrees at shoulder * reduced active (retro)flexion/extension at shoulder when abducted to 90 degrees * reduced active flexion/extension at elbow Exclusion Criteria: * unable to give informed consent * unable to comprehend and follow instructions * have a condition (other than stroke) affecting sensorimotor function * show evidence of unilateral spatial neglect * unable to sit in a chair without armrests for 2 hours

Locations (1)

Stanford University CHARM Lab

Stanford, California, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Percent Change From Baseline in Reachable Workspace

Reachable workspace was measured using a PhaseSpace motion capture system, recorded as an area (in square meters).

Time frame: baseline, while using support device, and 30 minutes following removal of support device (up to 4 minutes per assessment)

Secondary Outcomes

Percent Change From Baseline in Biceps Activation

Biceps activation measured using surface electromyography during an isometric hold to approximate the contributions of erroneous flexor synergies.

Time frame: baseline and while using support device (up to 10 seconds per assessment)

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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