Monitoring Arm Recovery After Stroke (MARS)
The MARS study is looking into new ways to help people get their arm movement back after a stroke. Many people struggle with arm recovery, and while specialist labs can measure movement very accurately, it's expensive and not practical for everyday hospital use. This makes it hard for doctors to see exactly how someone's arm is recovering or adapting after a stroke. Researchers are developing a phone app that uses your phone's camera to record arm movements. These recordings will be turned into useful information for doctors, helping them understand your movement difficulties and track changes over time. This could help them choose the best treatment for you. This study involves testing if this new app can measure arm movements as accurately as the high-tech lab equipment.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When someone has a stroke, it can often make it difficult for them to move their arm as they did before. Sometimes, people don't get much arm movement back at all. To help doctors understand how arm recovery is progressing and choose the best treatments, they need to measure how the arm is moving.
Currently, doing very accurate measurements of arm movement usually requires expensive specialist equipment in a lab, which isn't easy to use in a regular hospital or at home. This means it's hard for doctors to get a clear picture of whether someone's arm is truly getting better or if they're learning different ways to do tasks. This study wants to change that by creating a simpler, more accessible way to track arm movement.
Researchers are developing a special phone app that uses your phone's camera to record your arm movements. Imagine doing simple tasks like drinking from a cup while being recorded. This app will then turn those videos into data that doctors can easily understand. This information could be sent directly to your hospital records, allowing your care team to see how your movement is changing over time and tailor your treatment to help you recover better.
Key takeaways
- This study tests a phone app for measuring arm movement after stroke.
- It aims to make accurate arm movement tracking easier and more affordable.
- Your participation could help develop better stroke recovery tools for the future.
- The study involves one visit of 2-3 hours to King's College London.
- You'll perform simple arm movements while being recorded by cameras and the app.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for people who have had a stroke and are at least 18 years old. You need to have some difficulty with your arm movement, but not extremely severe problems.
There are certain reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you have severe memory or understanding problems that would make it hard to follow the study instructions, or if you have severe language difficulties that would prevent you from understanding what's involved. Also, if you have significant shoulder pain or can't sit upright without a lot of support, you wouldn't be able to take part.
If you use a wheelchair but can't move from your wheelchair to a lab chair, or if your wheelchair backrest can't be lowered, you may not be able to participate. The researchers need to make sure you can safely do the activities in the study.
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.
- I have had a stroke.
- I am aged 18 or over.
- I have some difficulty with movement in my arm.
- I can understand and follow instructions for the study.
- I don't have severe shoulder pain (much more than a mild ache).
- I can sit upright on a chair without lots of back support.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will have one visit to King's College London, at the Guy's Campus. This visit will last for about 2 to 3 hours. During this time, you will be asked to wear either a vest or close-fitting clothes. The researchers will place small, harmless markers on your arm. These are not painful.
You will then be asked to perform some simple everyday arm movements, like drinking from a cup. These movements will be recorded using both the new phone app and the special cameras in the research lab. There are no medications involved in this study and no follow-up appointments after this single session.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Centre for Human and Applied Physiological SciencesVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is the main goal of this study?
The main goal is to test a new phone app that can measure arm movement after a stroke, to see if it works as well as expensive lab equipment.
Will I have to take any medication?
No, this study does not involve any medication. It's all about measuring how your arm moves.
How long will the study visit take?
Your visit will typically last for about 2 to 3 hours.
Where does the study take place?
The study takes place at King's College London, on the Guy's Campus.
What happens if the app works well?
If the app works well, it could lead to new tools that help people improve their at-home exercises and give doctors better information to guide stroke recovery.
How to find out more
Ulrike Hammerbeck, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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