Dynamic Lycra® orthoses as an adjunct to arm rehabilitation after stroke: a single-blind, two-arm parallel group, randomized controlled feasibility trial

Jacqui H. Morris (Lead / Corresponding author), Alexandra John, Lucy Wedderburn, Petra Rauchhaus, Peter T. Donnan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)
214 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial of dynamic Lycra® orthoses as an adjunct to arm rehabilitation after stroke and to explore the magnitude and direction of change on arm outcomes.

Design: This is a single-blind, two-arm parallel group, feasibility randomized controlled trial.

Setting: In-patient rehabilitation.

Subjects: The study participants were stroke survivors with arm hemiparesis two to four weeks after stroke receiving in-patient rehabilitation.

Interventions: Participants were randomized 2:1 to wear Lycra® gauntlets for eight hours daily for eight weeks, plus usual rehabilitation ( n = 27), or to usual rehabilitation only ( n = 16).

Main Measures: Recruitment, retention, fidelity, adverse events and completeness of data collection were examined at 8 and 16 weeks; arm function (activity limitation; Action Research Arm Test, Motor Activity Log) and impairment (Nine-hole Peg Test, Motricity Index, Modified Tardieu Scale). Structured interviews explored acceptability.

Results: Of the target of 51, 43 (84%) participants were recruited. Retention at 8 weeks was 32 (79%) and 24 (56%) at 16 weeks. In total, 11 (52%) intervention group participants and 6 (50%) control group participants (odds ratio = 1.3, 95% confidence interval = 0.2 to 7.8) had improved Action Research Arm Test level by 8 weeks; at 16 weeks, this was 8 (61%) intervention and 6 (75.0%) control participants (odds ratio = 1.1, 95% confidence interval = 0.1 to 13.1). Change on other measures favoured control participants. Acceptability was influenced by 26 adverse reactions.

Conclusion: Recruitment and retention were low, and adverse reactions were problematic. There were no indications of clinically relevant effects, but the small sample means definitive conclusions cannot be made. A definitive trial is not warranted without orthoses adaptation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1331-1343
Number of pages13
JournalClinical Rehabilitation
Volume33
Issue number8
Early online date12 Apr 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2019

Keywords

  • Arm
  • orthotic device
  • rehabilitation
  • stroke

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation

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