RecruitingInterventional

Teaching carers to deliver therapy for the arm and hand post stroke

Around 100,000 people in the UK have a stroke each year, often affecting arm and hand movement. While therapy can help, access is limited. This study investigates if family members or friends (called CarePartners) can be trained to deliver daily arm and hand therapy to stroke survivors at home for six weeks. Researchers want to see if this approach is practical and helpful for lasting recovery. The goal is to see if a larger, more comprehensive study should be done. Both stroke survivors and their CarePartners will provide feedback, and a team of experts will check that the therapy is safe and effective.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Keele University

Enrolment target

102

Start

21 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2027

Stroke

What is this study about?

For many people in the UK, a stroke can make it difficult to use their arm and hand, affecting everyday tasks like eating or brushing their hair. While we know that certain exercises and movements can really help improve strength and use of the arm and hand, even months or years after a stroke, it's often hard for people to get enough therapy.

This study is looking into a new idea: can family members or close friends, who know and care for the stroke survivor (we call them 'CarePartners' in this study), be taught to provide some of this helpful arm and hand therapy at home? The aim is to see if this could give stroke survivors more regular support for their recovery, which isn't always possible with limited access to therapists.

This first step is a 'feasibility study'. This means we want to find out if this idea of CarePartners delivering therapy is practical and safe, and if people would be happy to take part. The results will help us decide if it's a good idea to do a bigger study in the future that could eventually lead to better care for stroke survivors across the country.

Key takeaways

Exploring if friends/family can deliver stroke therapy at home.
Aims to improve ongoing arm and hand recovery after stroke.
CarePartners will be trained by physiotherapists.
Involves 6 weeks of daily therapy, with expert support.
Focuses on safety and practicality for future, larger studies.
Funded by a UK government research body.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for several groups of people to take part at different stages. Initially, they are looking for adult stroke survivors with ongoing arm and hand weakness, their adult informal carers (family or friends), and experienced NHS physiotherapists.

For the main part of the study, they are looking for pairs of stroke survivors and their CarePartners. The stroke survivor must be an adult with ongoing weakness in their arm and hand due to stroke, and they must have been discharged from hospital. Both the stroke survivor and their CarePartner need to be willing and able to understand and agree to take part.

It's important that the CarePartner is able to be trained and commit to giving the therapy at home. You can't take part if you or your CarePartner can't communicate effectively, or if the CarePartner has significant health issues that would make it difficult for them to provide the therapy, such as severe arthritis in their hands.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult (18 or over) stroke survivor with ongoing arm/hand weakness?
Do you have a family member or friend (also 18 or over) who could be your CarePartner and is willing to be trained?
Were you discharged from hospital after your stroke?
Are both you and your CarePartner able to understand and agree to take part?
Could your CarePartner commit to providing daily therapy at home for six weeks?
Can you or your CarePartner communicate effectively for discussions and training?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, a physiotherapist will train your CarePartner to give special arm and hand therapy at home. This therapy will happen every day for six weeks. During this time, your CarePartner will keep a record of the therapy, including how often they do it and for how long, and how you both feel about it.

A physiotherapist will visit you every week during the six weeks to check how things are going and offer support. They will also be available if you need to contact them between visits. Before the therapy starts, and again at the end of the six weeks and then three months later, researchers will measure the strength and use of the stroke survivor's arm, and both of your quality of life.

After the six weeks, both stroke survivors and CarePartners will be invited to a group discussion to share their experiences of the training, the at-home therapy, and the assessments. Therapists will also be interviewed to get their views. The total duration of active participation for the therapy part of the study is six weeks, with a final follow-up three months later.

Potential risks and benefits

Stroke survivors might benefit from receiving more regular arm and hand therapy than they would usually get, which could help improve their movement and strength. While other studies have shown good results with this type of therapy, this specific study is exploring a new way of delivering it, so we can't guarantee individual benefits right now. Any information learned from this study could help improve treatment for many other stroke survivors in the future. The therapy itself is often part of routine care, so the overall risk is low. However, there's a small chance a CarePartner could cause discomfort or harm, but the study will provide thorough training and ongoing support from therapists to ensure the therapy is given safely and correctly, and that both the CarePartner and stroke survivor are comfortable. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without explanation, and it will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

St Georges Hospital
City only
Stafford, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a 'CarePartner' in this study?

A CarePartner is a family member or friend who helps a stroke survivor and is willing to be trained to provide arm and hand therapy at home.

How long does the therapy last?

The at-home therapy will be given daily by the CarePartner for six weeks.

When does the study start?

The study is expected to start in June 2025 and run until November 2027.

Will I get help if I participate?

Yes, a physiotherapist will train the CarePartner and visit weekly, offering support and advice throughout the six-week therapy period.

Who is funding this research?

The study is funded by The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK.

How to find out more

Ali Aries

a.m.aries@keele.ac.uk +44 (0)1782734418 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.