Arm Boot Camp Study: Evaluation of a Program to Increase Upper Limb Recovery After Stroke

Evaluation of a Program to Increase Upper Limb Recovery After Stroke

This study will examine the feasibility and effect of a program that combines exercise and feedback from a wearable device on upper limb movement practice and function in individuals with stroke.

Participants will be randomized into either the Immediate Treatment Group or the Delayed Treatment group. Both groups will complete the same intervention program. The Immediate treatment group will start the program right away while the Delayed Treatment group will start the program after a 3 week delay. The intervention program is 3 weeks in duration and consists of participants completing at least two hours of exercises (adapted from the Home-GRASP program) daily and wearing an activity monitor on their affected wrist during waking hours for the duration of the intervention. Participants will be asked to meet daily movement count goals based on information from the monitor. Participants will have 6 virtual sessions with a therapist who will teach and monitor exercises thru an online platform (Zoom Video Communications), work with participants to generate and progress daily movement goals and discuss barriers and potential solutions to exercise adherence and/or meeting movement goals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 19 years or older
• < 1 year since the stroke occurred
• Living in the community
• Have unilateral upper limb impairment
• Have some ability to move their arm and hand (> 30° shoulder flexion or abduction and Fugl Meyer finger extension score > 0)
• Are using their affected upper limb in a different way than prior to their stroke (REACH score < 4)
• Completed formal physical and occupational therapy rehabilitation for the upper limb
• Have access to a tablet, computer, laptop or phone with internet and email access.

NOTE: If participant have a caregiver, we would like to invite him/her to assist in this study; however, a caregiver is not a must for participating in this study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• musculoskeletal/other neurological conditions that limit movement in their arm
• unable to provide informed consent
• have another medical condition that would affect their ability to participate in the treatment protocol
• have persistent pain in their affected upper limb that affects their ability to use the limb
• Unable to speak, understand, or read English (unless another person, [i.e., family member, care taker or friend] can be present and translate during measurement/treatment sessions, and home activities related to the study