Caitlyn E Seim1, Steven L Wolf2, Thad E Starner3. 1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. cseim@stanford.edu. 2. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA. 3. College of Computing, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, CA, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the feasibility and potential impacts on hand function using a wearable stimulation device (the VTS Glove) which provides mechanical, vibratory input to the affected limb of chronic stroke survivors. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized, controlled feasibility study including sixteen chronic stroke survivors (mean age: 54; 1-13 years post-stroke) with diminished movement and tactile perception in their affected hand. Participants were given a wearable device to take home and asked to wear it for three hours daily over eight weeks. The device intervention was either (1) the VTS Glove, which provided vibrotactile stimulation to the hand, or (2) an identical glove with vibration disabled. Participants were randomly assigned to each condition. Hand and arm function were measured weekly at home and in local physical therapy clinics. RESULTS: Participants using the VTS Glove showed significantly improved Semmes-Weinstein monofilament exam results, reduction in Modified Ashworth measures in the fingers, and some increased voluntary finger flexion, elbow and shoulder range of motion. CONCLUSIONS:Vibrotactile stimulation applied to the disabled limb may impact tactile perception, tone and spasticity, and voluntary range of motion. Wearable devices allow extended application and study of stimulation methods outside of a clinical setting.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the feasibility and potential impacts on hand function using a wearable stimulation device (the VTS Glove) which provides mechanical, vibratory input to the affected limb of chronic stroke survivors. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized, controlled feasibility study including sixteen chronic stroke survivors (mean age: 54; 1-13 years post-stroke) with diminished movement and tactile perception in their affected hand. Participants were given a wearable device to take home and asked to wear it for three hours daily over eight weeks. The device intervention was either (1) the VTS Glove, which provided vibrotactile stimulation to the hand, or (2) an identical glove with vibration disabled. Participants were randomly assigned to each condition. Hand and arm function were measured weekly at home and in local physical therapy clinics. RESULTS:Participants using the VTS Glove showed significantly improved Semmes-Weinstein monofilament exam results, reduction in Modified Ashworth measures in the fingers, and some increased voluntary finger flexion, elbow and shoulder range of motion. CONCLUSIONS: Vibrotactile stimulation applied to the disabled limb may impact tactile perception, tone and spasticity, and voluntary range of motion. Wearable devices allow extended application and study of stimulation methods outside of a clinical setting.
Authors: Stefan M Golaszewski; Jürgen Bergmann; Monica Christova; Alexander B Kunz; Martin Kronbichler; Dietmar Rafolt; Eugen Gallasch; Wolfgang Staffen; Eugen Trinka; Raffaele Nardone Journal: Clin Neurophysiol Date: 2011-07-18 Impact factor: 3.708
Authors: Steven L Wolf; Carolee J Winstein; J Philip Miller; Edward Taub; Gitendra Uswatte; David Morris; Carol Giuliani; Kathye E Light; Deborah Nichols-Larsen Journal: JAMA Date: 2006-11-01 Impact factor: 56.272