Tackling common conditions

Electrical stimulation to improve arm function after a stroke

This research was completed on 31 August 2007

Project LeaderDr A D Pandyan BEng, PhD, AMIE
LocationDepartment of Mathematics and the Department of Physiotherapy Studies, Keele University, Staffordshire and the Springfield Unit, City General Hospital, Stoke on Trent.
Grant awarded10 November 2003
Start date1 September 2004
End date31 August 2007
Grant amount£118,177.00
Grant codeAP0993

Each year in the UK around 130,000 people suffer a stroke and often lose the ability to walk and use their hands. Although most patients who survive a stroke will walk independently again, only a third will recover independent arm function. Losing the ability to use your hands leads to a considerable reduction in quality of life and dependence on others. This research will investigate whether treatment with electrical stimulation can be used to help the recovery of arm function in people who are at risk of remaining chronically disabled after their stroke. Treatment with electrical stimulation may also help the patient by preventing the development of secondary complications such as pain and limb deformities.