A pioneering stroke rehabilitation programme is using current and developing technology to improve neuro-rehab outcomes for patients, as well as working on the creation of new rehab tech to widen options for survivors.
An eight-week programme at Strathclyde University, supported by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS), is currently supporting its fifth group of ten patients.
To date, 50 stroke patients have benefitted from the project, which uses a range of technology to improve movement and cognitive abilities.
The programme also supports the development of new technology to support future neuro-rehab, with the team at the Glasgow institution being awarded an Innovate UK grant to develop a digital pulmonary rehabilitation system. A new addition to options in gamified rehab is also in development.
Staff and research students support patients by harnessing the power of current and developing tech to help patients in their post-stroke recovery, including through the use of a treadmill with a harness to support those with balance or mobility issues, and games with adapted controllers that help to recover dexterity.
The initiative is being led by Dr Andy Kerr, a senior lecturer in biomedical engineering and trained physiotherapist, and his team from Strathclyde University.
“There’s a lot of exciting things going on,” he said.
“We have been awarded a grant from Innovate UK to develop a digital pulmonary rehabilitation system, and work starts on that project in May.
“And we also have a new PhD student who is developing a collaborative game that will include a social aspect for users.”
CHSS is supporting the rehab project with investment of £160,000, which includes funding for two occupational therapists to assess and work with the patients as they complete the programme.
A third, part-time occupational therapist has also joined the team on secondment from NHS Lanarkshire.
Meanwhile, Dr Kerr’s team are working with CHSS and the NHS to look at establishing the technology-based exercise initiative in community settings, such as gyms and leisure centres.
The programme is based in Strathclyde University’s Sir Jules Thorn Centre for Co-creation of Rehabilitation Technology.
