Grant: Project Grant

Stroke can greatly impact how people control their movements. With stroke, a block or break in a vessel that carries blood with oxygen and nutrients is stopped from flowing to the brain. The loss of blood flow damages the brain, with functional losses dependent on the location and extent of damage. People who have experienced stroke often have long-term problems with hand function, which affect their daily activities, participation in their communities, and wellbeing. Current therapy to help in the recovery process is insufficient. Two thirds of people with stroke report non-use or disuse of their upper limbs even after 4 years. It is important to look at new ways to provide therapy to improve access and functional recovery outcomes. The use of wearable robots that can assist with intense therapy and repetitions of specific tasks, and therapy that can be delivered remotely in people's own homes have great potential. This project will evaluate a new 12-week therapy program that uses a low-cost, portable, wearable and easy-to-use robotic glove in face-to-face clinic and at-home remote therapy and self-practice sessions. People with long-term stroke and difficulties fully opening or closing their hands without help will be included in the study. The study will examine program feasibility in terms of safety and program resource needs. The project will also examine how effective and satisfactory the program is in helping participants to achieve their functional goals and improve their hand function. If successful, there is potential for the therapy program using the glove to be delivered across Canada and beyond, and for the glove to be made available to those who may benefit.