Effect of Technology Enriched Rehabilitation After Stroke

NCT07360613 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: UEC/Kerr_IRAS_359369
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 62
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

The Biomedical Engineering Dept, University of Strathclyde, co-creates rehabilitation technology. In 2023-2024 a clinical study (NCT06787768) was conducted to understand the feasibility of a multi-technology approach to rehabilitation early after stroke. This was successful and leads to the next phase which is to gather preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of this approach by monitoring change in the mobility of patients who receive this intervention compared with usual care which will be gathered through a data linkage project (tracking the outcomes from matched patients from other parts of Scotland who receive usual care).

Conditions

Stroke; Rehabilitation

Keywords

Rehabilitation; Technology; Stroke

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Modified Rivermead Mobility Index (MRMI)

  The Modified Rivermead Mobility Index (MRMI) is a standardized 8-item assessment that evaluates mobility tasks including turning over, balance, transfers, walking, and stair climbing. Scores range from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating greater mobility. The items include: Turning over Lying to sitting Sitting balance Sitting to standing Standing Transfers Walking indoors Stairs

  Baseline (between consent and start of intervention) and immediately before hospital discharge.

Secondary Outcomes (14)

• 10-Metre Walk Test (10MWT)

  Baseline (between consent and start of intervention) and immediately before hospital discharge.

• Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSTST)

  Baseline (between consent and start of intervention) and immediately before hospital discharge.

• Berg Balance Scale (BBS)

  Baseline (between consent and start of intervention) and immediately before hospital discharge.

• Action Research Arm Test (ARAT)

  Baseline (between consent and start of intervention) and immediately before hospital discharge.

• Grip Strength

  Baseline (between consent and start of intervention) and immediately before hospital discharge.

Study Arms (1)

Technology Enriched Rehabilitation

EXPERIMENTAL

The intervention is a rehabilitation programme delivered entirely through technology, including virtual reality (immersed and non-immersed), treadmills, weight suspension and movement resistance, and power assistance equipment located in a gym-like space located on an acute stroke unit. Individual programs are designed and reviewed by a physiotherapist using principles of intensity, feedback, cognitive engagement, and aerobic activity to address the goals identified by the participant and scores from outcome measures at baseline. Supervision is provided by rehabilitation assistants Participants attend according to their tolerance (assessed by clinical team) up to 2 hours per day until discharged home.

Other: Technology Enriched Rehabilitation

Interventions

Technology Enriched Rehabilitation OTHER

The intervention is a rehabilitation programme delivered entirely through technology, including virtual reality (immersed and non-immersed), treadmills, weight suspension and movement resistance, and power assistance equipment located in a gym-like space on an acute stroke unit (NHS Lanarkshire). Individual programs are designed and reviewed by a physiotherapist using principles of intensity, feedback, cognitive engagement, and aerobic activity to address the goals identified by the participant and scores from outcome measures at baseline. Attendance at the gym is supervised and assisted by rehabilitation support workers. Participants can attend daily for 2 hours maximum until discharge, according to their tolerance and judgement of the clinical ward team.

Technology Enriched Rehabilitation

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Diagnosis of new stroke by NHS Lanarkshire physician
• More than 48 hours since stroke event
• Deemed medically fit for rehabilitation by medical staff
• Deemed to require rehabilitation
• Able to provide informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Acutely medically unwell
• Active cardiac disease, such as unstable angina
• Active delirium/significant levels of confusion
• Seizure within past 7 days
• Individual currently being managed under the Adults with Incapacity Act, unless the responsible medic has noted within the document that the individual has capacity to consent to rehabilitation research
• Known pregnancy

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Strathclyde: lead
• NHS Lanarkshire: collaborator

Related Publications (3)

• Kerr A, Keogh M, Slachetka M, Grealy M, Rowe P. An Intensive Exercise Program Using a Technology-Enriched Rehabilitation Gym for the Recovery of Function in People With Chronic Stroke: Usability Study. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol. 2023 Jul 21;10:e46619. doi: 10.2196/46619.

  PMID: 37477954 RESULT

• Sweeney G, Boyd F, Keogh M, Lyczba P, Forrest E, Rowe P, Barber M, Kerr A. A technology-enriched approach to increasing rehabilitation dose after stroke: Clinical feasibility study. Clin Rehabil. 2025 Jun;39(6):740-749. doi: 10.1177/02692155251333542. Epub 2025 Apr 18.

  PMID: 40247700 RESULT

• Gittins M, Vail A, Bowen A, Lugo-Palacios D, Paley L, Bray B, Gannon B, Tyson S. Factors influencing the amount of therapy received during inpatient stroke care: an analysis of data from the UK Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme. Clin Rehabil. 2020 Jul;34(7):981-991. doi: 10.1177/0269215520927454. Epub 2020 Jun 7.

  PMID: 32508132 RESULT

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Stroke

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Cerebrovascular Disorders; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Vascular Diseases; Cardiovascular Diseases

Study Officials

• Andrew Kerr

  Strathclyde

  STUDY DIRECTOR

• Gillian Sweeney, PhD

  NHS Lanarkshire

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Andrew Kerr, PhD

CONTACT

+441415482855; a.kerr@strath.ac.uk

Lesley-Anne Rollins, PhD

CONTACT

lesleyanne.rollins@strath.ac.uk

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Masking Details: No masking is used
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: Baselines measures of mobility (Primary: Rivermead Mobility Index) before the intervention. Intervention a rehabilitation programme delivered through technology (VR, Treadmills, hand trainers, power assisted exercise). Measures of Mobility repeated immediately before hospital discharge.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 26, 2025
• First Posted: January 22, 2026
• Study Start: April 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 1, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 1, 2028
• Last Updated: January 22, 2026

Record last verified: 2025-11

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL, CSR
• Time Frame: July 2027 Until July 2032
• Access Criteria: This will be publicly available