Groundbreaking research is confirming the potential of Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) systems to revolutionise stroke rehabilitation. By directly linking a stroke survivor's brain signals to an external device, BCI technology is proving to be a powerful tool for promoting motor recovery, especially for those with severe impairment.
BCIs use a ‘closed-loop’ feedback system, where brain signals reflecting the intention to move trigger a response from a connected device, like a robotic limb or functional electrical stimulation (FES). This process reinforces the neural pathways associated with the intended movement, effectively rewiring the brain to regain function.
Compared to traditional therapy alone, in stroke rehab research studies, BCI training is consistently showing significant superior effects in improving upper-limb motor function. Studies report clinically meaningful gains in Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) scores, a key metric for motor recovery.
Meta-analyses show that BCI systems are most effective when combined with other technologies. BCI integrated with FES consistently demonstrates the highest effect sises, likely because it activates both the brain's intention and the muscle's response, providing powerful and rich sensory feedback.
For survivors, BCI training can be incredibly motivating; by providing immediate, tangible feedback on progress, it can make training more engaging and rewarding, addressing the common challenge of low patient adherence. And non-invasive BCI methods, typically using EEG electrodes, are proven to be very safe and well-tolerated, with adverse effects being extremely rare.
BCI represents a significant tech-driven leap forward; turning intention into action and offering new hope for us stroke survivors.🌍💖
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#ARNI #ARNIStrokeRehab #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor#NeuroRehab
#StrokeRehab #BCI #Neuroplasticity #Neurorehabilitation #PhysicalTherapy #OccupationalTherapy #ResearchUpdate #DigitalHealth #BrainComputerInterface
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Spasticity involves stiff, tight muscles that result from miscommunication from the brain. When the brain has been impacted by injury, like a stroke, it might not be able to send the right signals to your muscles anymore. As a result, your muscles tighten up as a result of being over-active, with your brain being unable to tell them to relax when they should.
It can help to realize that the problem is not with your muscles — instead, spasticity originates from the brain. And you can help reduce spasticity and restore mobility in your muscles by engaging neuroplasticity.
As you exercise your affected muscles, you encourage the brain to rewire itself and, as a result, spasticity becomes less severe. This is only possible through consistent exercise, though, as the brain needs repetitive stimulation in order to rewire itself.
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If you like this post then please share it with others. Each time that you share a post, you can directly help other people – as who knows which people in the world might find us and gain, either directly from the charity or simply by being able to copy an ‘innovative and useful’ move/trick of the trade that might help them manage after stroke.
Every time you share, you could directly help someone – as knowledge is power 😉
#neuroplasticity #strokerehabilitation #neurorehab #strokerecovery #strokeexercise #arnistrokerehab #strokerehab
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Exercise: Knees-Up. This technique is rather like the seated marching exercise. And we are talking one legged balance here, which also works the hip flexors hard This is also great training for coping with walking up inclines. You should be trying to reach a good height with your knee. Try hard to match the heights on both knees. You may be unable to bring your bad foot even a few inches from the floor, but I promise you that as you work at it, you will get better and better at it.
Find out more about this exercise in The Successful Stroke Survivor book by Tom Balchin.
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#strokerehab #neuroplasticity #strokerecovery #strokerehabilitation #NeuroRehab #ARNIstrokerehab #strokeexercise #ARNIstrokerehab
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The latest findings on the RELab tenoexo 2.0, a soft robotic hand orthosis are of significant interest for our stroke rehabilitation community ;) A feasibility study published in the Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation demonstrates how this innovative, wearable device can significantly enhance hand and arm function for stroke survivors.
Researchers evaluated the RELab tenoexo 2.0's effectiveness through a two-phase study involving individuals with chronic stroke and found that survivors using it achieved an impressive number of high-intensity repetitions, logging over 150 supported grasps per hour at home;... a rate nearly five times higher than conventional therapy.
The intervention led to clinically meaningful functional gains in upper limb function, as measured by standardised tests like the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-UE).The functional gains observed were retained even one month after the intervention period ended, highlighting the therapy's lasting impact. The study showed strong user acceptance and high adherence rates for both in-clinic and at-home training, proving its viability for continuous care.
For stroke survivors facing long-term hand impairments, accessing high-intensity, repetitive therapy is often a major challenge. The RELab tenoexo 2.0 clearly offers a useful addition to retraining solution as it's a portable, easy-to-use tool. This approach can empower survivors to take control of their own recoveries, helping to promote neuroplasticity and improve independence in daily activities.
It looks to us at ARNI Stroke Rehab UK that wearable soft robotics are not just futuristic concepts; they are becoming a really useful augment to neurorehab.
w#arnin#ARNIstrokerehabA#strokerecovery##strokesurvivor##strokerehabo#relabtenoexob#softroboticso#neuroplasticityN#occupationaltherapyp#ResearchUpdate##evidencebasedpracticec#strokerecovery##assistivetechnologystiveTechnology
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How does ARNI work? The system has been refined over a period of 20+years with stroke survivors of varying ages, type and severity of stroke… and of time from injury.
With your trainer, the application of individual trial and error is required in order to see what can be done using the specialised ARNI rehabilitation exercises and strategies… and to understand what goals can be reached. All training given will be appropriate to the individual, even though you may be working in a group class.
With your trainer, the application of individual trial and error is required in order to see what can be done using the specialised ARNI techniques and to understand what goals can be reached. You need to be working ‘on the edges’ of your current ability to stimulate maximum neuroplasticity.
This is YOU DOING it. This is you using your plastic brain and incrementally regaining action control ;)
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#strokerehab #arnistrokerehab #strokeexercise #arnistrokecharity #strokerecovery #neuroplasticity #neurorehab #strokerehabilitation #arnistroke
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You should be aiming to start challenging yourself at least 10 to 20 times every day with do-able, simple ‘tester tasks’ around the house with your affected hand if you have upper limb spasticity and/or flaccidity. These need to be as varied as reaching for, holding and switching on an alarm clock, to pulling up and putting down a lavatory seat. When starting out, please don’t do potentially dangerous tasks like opening the oven with it or close a car door – we do not want you to damage your arm or hand, but challenge it. If you feel brave, try the risky stuff, but there are loads of things that you can do to increase action control of your hand without hurting yourself.
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#strokerecovery #arnistrokerehab #neuroplasticity #strokerehab #neurorehab #strokerehabilitation #strokeexercise #ARNIstrokerehab
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Research continues to validate the effectiveness of advanced wearable technology, like the Neofect Smart Glove for upper-limb rehab 🧠💪
Smart Glove is a San Fran-based high-tech stroke rehab product for your hand that follows your hand motions, measuring the slightest movements in your hand with accelerometer and bending sensors while performing gamified exercises.
A recent study published in the Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation showed significant functional gains for patients using the glove alongside conventional therapy compared to conventional therapy alone. It proved a motivating way to perform progressive hand exercises at home.
The Smart Glove uses engaging, game-based virtual reality to provide high-repetition, task-specific practice, a crucial component for inducing neuroplasticity. Integrated sensors monitor individual finger and wrist movements, giving patients and clinicians real-time feedback and objective tracking data on progress.
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) analysis demonstrates increased brain activity in the motor cortex during Smart Glove training, providing objective evidence of cortical reorganization. Patients showed statistically significant improvements in standardised tests of hand function (e.g., Fugl-Meyer Assessment and Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test).
This tech for stroke offers a promising tool for increasing a survivor's motivation and extending rehabilitation beyond the clinic, hopefully accelerating recovery and improving quality of life.
www.arni.uk#arni##ARNIstrokerehabR#strokerecoveryo#strokesurvivorv#NeuroRehabR#NEOFECTo#neuroplasticityi#occupationaltherapye#researche#WearableTeche#evidencebasedpracticec#physicaltherapye#strokerecoveryovery
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Exciting advancements in stroke rehabilitation at Surrey's Frimley Park Hospital! A new £1 million stroke rehab unit and dedicated rehab garden have opened, promising to enhance patient recovery and experience. This state-of-the-art facility provides specialised spaces for therapy and psychological assessments, creating a more supportive environment away from the main ward.
This move complements ongoing research led by the NHS Trust. The team is currently participating in the Avert Dose trial, a national study investigating the effects of early and high-intensity mobility training on post-stroke disability. Preliminary findings have already guided practical changes in physiotherapy sessions, showing improved functional recovery with adjustments to treatment timing.
The integration of advanced facilities and evidence-based practice highlights Frimley Health's commitment to improving stroke care. This new unit, funded by Frimley Health Charity and over 1,600 donors, provides the infrastructure to support cutting-edge rehabilitation and continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in stroke recovery. 🧠💪
w#arnin#ARNIstrokerehabA#strokerecovery##strokesurvivor##NeuroRehabv#strokerehabilitatione#frimleyparkhospitall#ResearchUpdate##neurosciencee#physicaltherapyP#evidencebasedmedicinec#strokerecovery##NHSkeRecovery #NHS
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Not only can cardiovascular exercise increase the number of connections in your brain and improve your road to recovery, it can do so while creating a healthier cardiovascular system. Exercise also generates a boost of crucial neurochemicals in the brain as well as affecting the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
Read more about this in this previous blog on this topic: arni.uk.com/how-to-do-cardio-after-stroke/
#strokerehab #NeuroRehab #strokerehabilitation #strokerecovery #neuroplasticity #strokeexercise #strokerecovery #strokerecoveryexercises #exerciseafterstroke
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