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Can Brain Stimulation Help your Arm after Stroke?

arni brain stimulation ucl - Can Brain Stimulation Help your Arm after Stroke? - Stroke Rehabilitation and Exercise Training for Survivors & Specialist Stroke Courses for Therapists and Trainers, Online and Face to FaceNeuromodulatory non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques are experimental therapies for improving motor function after stroke. The aim of neuromodulation is to enhance adaptive or suppress maladaptive processes of post-stroke reorganisation. However, results on the effectiveness of these methods, which include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are mixed. It’s posited that recent developments in NIBS technology will likely contribute to individualised therapy. Moving beyond single-area stimulation, targeting specific muscle groups that play different roles in post-stroke motor recovery (for example, finger flexors vs. extensors) may well be possible using multi-locus TMS. NIBS in stroke faces a challenge reminiscent of the development of other stroke therapies, such as thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, where early studies were largely mixed before patient selection and individualising protocols were refined to determine its therapeutic potential.

So, researchers at UCL want to find out:

  • How brain activity changes after someone has a stroke.
  • If weak, non-invasive brain stimulation could encourage the brain into a pattern of brain activity which is useful for upper limb rehabilitation.

2020 03 09 16 57 45 - Can Brain Stimulation Help your Arm after Stroke? - Stroke Rehabilitation and Exercise Training for Survivors & Specialist Stroke Courses for Therapists and Trainers, Online and Face to Face

If so, the Institute of Neurology at UCL invites you to join in with the ReCAPS study.

PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS INVITATION IF IT’S APPROPRIATE FOR YOU!

ReCAPS: Re-opening the Critical period for Plasticity After Stroke. The study is funded by Brain Research UK (BRUK). ReCAPS is just a research study at the moment, not a clinical trial or therapy.

If you would like to attend:

You will need to have an MRI scan and attend 2 study sessions at the UCL institute of Neurology. Travel can be contributed to.

stroke criteria arni rehab ucl - Can Brain Stimulation Help your Arm after Stroke? - Stroke Rehabilitation and Exercise Training for Survivors & Specialist Stroke Courses for Therapists and Trainers, Online and Face to FaceDuring sessions, you will watch a nature documentary while having very weak brain stimulation. Brain stimulation feels like a warm, tingling sensation on your head.

Please have a look at the flyer from the Institute of Neurology:

Or contact the researchers for more information:

2020 03 09 17 00 57 300x148 - Can Brain Stimulation Help your Arm after Stroke? - Stroke Rehabilitation and Exercise Training for Survivors & Specialist Stroke Courses for Therapists and Trainers, Online and Face to FaceMs. Jenny Lee

jenny.lee@ucl.ac.uk

Tel: 0203 4488 774

 Dr. Carys Evans

carys.evans@ucl.ac.uk

Tel: 0203 4488 774

Website: https://recapsstudy.wixsite.com/research/


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11 Comments

  1. Dhian Oberoi says:
    October 21, 2020 at 9:58 am

    I would be very grateful if I could be included in your study. I had a stroke in 2014 which left me with left-sided stiffness, dropped left foot which affects my walking ability and a non-functional left arm and closed fisted left hand

    Reply
  2. Dave shaw says:
    June 2, 2020 at 10:10 am

    Hi I’m 36 and have had a massive stroke but can walk but not much upper limb movement and I would like to be considered for this trial

    Reply
  3. Roger Humphreys says:
    March 11, 2020 at 6:23 pm

    Sorry about all the grammar and spelling errors.looking forward to hearing from you.

    Reply
    • Carys Evans says:
      October 13, 2020 at 4:02 pm

      Hi Roger
      I apologise for the delay replying. The ReCAPS Study was on hold during lockdown, but is now up and running again.
      If you are still interested in taking part, please send us your contact details.
      We can be contacted via by email (carys.evans@ucl.ac.uk), by phone 0203 4488 774 or through our website.
      We look forward to hearing from you.
      Carys

      Reply
  4. ROGER Humphreys says:
    March 11, 2020 at 6:19 pm

    I I would be more than intsrested to take part.I look forward to take part looking forward to your response,regards,Roger Humphreys.

    Reply
    • Andrew purkis says:
      March 15, 2020 at 5:24 pm

      following a massive stroke in 2015
      I have significant paralysis of upper left arm, unfortunately I developed epilepsy afterwards, now fully controlled by medication, but would be interested to help with your study, if appropriate.
      Regards
      Andrew

      Reply
      • Carys Evans says:
        October 13, 2020 at 4:04 pm

        Hi Andrew
        Thank you for your message, and sorry for the delay. The ReCAPS Study was on hold during lockdown, but is now up and running again.
        If you are still interested in taking part, please send us your contact details and we would be happy to discuss further.
        We can be contacted via by email (carys.evans@ucl.ac.uk), by phone 0203 4488 774 or through our website.
        We look forward to hearing from you.
        Carys

        Reply
    • Michelle T Apperley says:
      May 28, 2020 at 3:16 pm

      Massive stroke October 2018 age 46, left side paralysis, I can walk, do have some arm movement back but not all, I would definitely be interested if possible?

      Reply
      • Carys Evans says:
        October 13, 2020 at 4:03 pm

        Hi Michelle
        Sorry for the late reply. The ReCAPS Study was on hold during lockdown, but is now up and running again.
        If you are still interested in taking part, please send us your contact details and we would be happy to discuss further.
        We can be contacted via by email (carys.evans@ucl.ac.uk), by phone 0203 4488 774 or through our website.
        We look forward to hearing from you.
        Carys

        Reply
  5. Aston Trundle says:
    March 10, 2020 at 3:37 pm

    I completed upper -limb Programme
    In 2019 ,found it really helped also took part in
    (Ang s) research )
    If you feel this would be beneficial to me
    Please keep me posted
    I at present still under
    Queens Square
    Re
    (F E S) for lower limb
    Thank you
    Astonight Trundle

    Reply
    • Carys Evans says:
      October 13, 2020 at 3:58 pm

      Hi Aston
      Thank you for your message. I apologise for the delay replying. The ReCAPS Study was on hold during lockdown, but is now up and running again.
      If you are still interested in taking part, please let us know.
      We can be contacted via by email (carys.evans@ucl.ac.uk), by phone 0203 4488 774 or through our website.
      We look forward to hearing from you.
      Carys

      Reply

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    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery
    2 days ago
    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery

    Although the brain is in a heightened state of plasticity immediately after stroke, neuroplasticity may be activated throughout the recovery process; whether it has been a few months or a few decades since a stroke, the brain is still capable of healing and rewiring.

    Studies have shown that the brain is changing itself throughout an entire life time. This means that recovery is continuous. Whenever you stimulate your brain with positive, consistent and repetitive stimulus, the brain will respond.
    www.arni.uk.com
    #strokesurvivorscan #neurorehab #strokeexercise #strokerecovery #strokerehabilitation #neuroplasticity #ARNIstrokerehab #strokesurvivors #arnistrokecharity     ... See MoreSee Less

    Although the brain is in a heightened state of plasticity immediately after stroke, neuroplasticity may be activated throughout the recovery process; whether it has been a few months or a few decades since a stroke, the brain is still capable of healing and rewiring. Studies have shown that the brain is changing itself throughout an entire life time. This means that recovery is continuous. Whenever you stimulate your brain with positive, consistent and repetitive stimulus, the brain will respond. www.arni.uk.com #strokesurvivorscan #neurorehab #strokeexercise #strokerecovery #strokerehabilitation #neuroplasticity #ARNIstrokerehab #strokesurvivors #arnistrokecharity
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    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery
    3 days ago
    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery

    Knowledge is power.; and even more so for stroke recovery!
    In the field of stroke rehabilitation there are new advances, major and minor, emerging regularly. You need to keep as current as possible. You need to know what you need. And if you find things that seem appropriate to your needs, investigate them further to work out whether they’re suitable applications to streamline your retraining or self-management.
    www.arni.uk.com
    #strokesurvivorscan #neurorehab #strokeexercise #strokerecovery #strokerehabilitation #neuroplasticity #ARNIstrokerehab #strokesurvivors #arnistrokecharity     ... See MoreSee Less

    Knowledge is power.; and even more so for stroke recovery! In the field of stroke rehabilitation there are new advances, major and minor, emerging regularly. You need to keep as current as possible. You need to know what you need. And if you find things that seem appropriate to your needs, investigate them further to work out whether they’re suitable applications to streamline your retraining or self-management. www.arni.uk.com #strokesurvivorscan #neurorehab #strokeexercise #strokerecovery #strokerehabilitation #neuroplasticity #ARNIstrokerehab #strokesurvivors #arnistrokecharity
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    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery
    3 days ago
    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery

    Tom doing sledgehammer levering work in his home gym with his homemade loadable axe-lever. Tom had this made at his local blacksmiths. This isn't something for 99.9% of stroke survivors to be doing, but there's no reason not to work your grip and wrist power as hard as possible, however possible, on your stronger and weaker sides. Type in 'weaver stick work' to Google for an example of how to do lever-bar work for wrist power.
    www.arni.uk.com
    #arnistrokecharity #strokesurvivorscan #strokesurvivors #strokerecovery #neuroplasticity #strokeexercise #neurorehab #ARNIstrokerehab #strokerehabilitation     ... See MoreSee Less

    Tom doing sledgehammer levering work in his home gym with his homemade loadable axe-lever. Tom had this made at his local blacksmiths. This isnt something for 99.9% of stroke survivors to be doing, but theres no reason not to work your grip and wrist power as hard as possible, however possible, on your stronger and weaker sides. Type in weaver stick work to Google for an example of how to do lever-bar work for wrist power. www.arni.uk.com #arnistrokecharity #strokesurvivorscan #strokesurvivors #strokerecovery #neuroplasticity #strokeexercise #neurorehab #ARNIstrokerehab #strokerehabilitation
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    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery
    3 days ago
    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery

    Exercise: Wall squat hold

    Did you notice that this technique is called a wall-squat hold? There is a reason that you don’t attempt to turn it into a squat, and try and rub yourself up and down a wall. Such an attempt won’t work for stroke survivors, mainly because the affected foot will slip away, and you could easily be unable to slide up the wall because of the friction involved.

    This exercise is to slide down the wall and hold until near failure, then lean forward, push away from the wall and stand upright. You should not feel pain or discomfort in your knees at any time during this exercise. When you think you are coming towards the end of failure, just move to a standing position. Over time, your judgement concerning extending the failure window and successful successful completion of the set will be honed.

    Read full Techniquein The Successful Stroke Survivor book by Tom Balchin
    www.arni.uk.com
    #strokerehabilitation #strokeexercise #ARNIstrokerehab #neuroplasticity #neurorehab #strokerecovery #strokesurvivorscan #strokesurvivors     ... See MoreSee Less

    Exercise: Wall squat hold Did you notice that this technique is called a wall-squat hold? There is a reason that you don’t attempt to turn it into a squat, and try and rub yourself up and down a wall. Such an attempt won’t work for stroke survivors, mainly because the affected foot will slip away, and you could easily be unable to slide up the wall because of the friction involved. This exercise is to slide down the wall and hold until near failure, then lean forward, push away from the wall and stand upright. You should not feel pain or discomfort in your knees at any time during this exercise. When you think you are coming towards the end of failure, just move to a standing position. Over time, your judgement concerning extending the failure window and successful successful completion of the set will be honed. Read full Techniquein The Successful Stroke Survivor book by Tom Balchin www.arni.uk.com #strokerehabilitation #strokeexercise #ARNIstrokerehab #neuroplasticity #neurorehab #strokerecovery #strokesurvivorscan #strokesurvivors
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    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery
    4 days ago
    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery

    5 Factors You Can Control in Stroke Recovery
    Neurological rehabilitation is a complex process, influenced by many factors – most of which are outside of your control. You can’t control your age, how big your stroke was, or how severe your deficits are. You have limited control over your access to skilled therapy and whether you have a solid support network of friends and family in place. While this lack of control can leave you feeling helpless, there are some important aspects of your recovery that you can take responsibility for.
    Here's how these 5 personal factors can impact your stroke recovery:
    Recognition
    In order to improve, first you must have awareness that there is a problem. If you think you speak just fine, it’s highly unlikely you’ll put in the time and effort required to change your speech. Some stroke and brain injury survivors are unaware they have problems with communication or cognition, a condition called anosognosia, so when they come to therapy, they don’t understand why they’re being asked to do the tasks. Building insight into the problem is an important first step in rehabilitation.
    Motivation
    After you recognize you have a problem, you must have the desire to change. If you know your speech is slurred but don’t care, why would you put in the time and effort to improve it? Some people lack motivation because they’re suffering from clinical depression, while some strokes physically damage the neural networks and dopamine pathways that control motivation. If you are feeling chronically unmotivated to improve a known impairment, talk to your doctor. And remember, it’s the person with the problem who must want to change – not just their family.
    Determination
    Having the desire to change is a great start, but you also need the resolve to do the work. Changing the brain is possible with repetition and time. There are no easy fixes, so if you really want to change, you have to be prepared to put in the effort – especially when it gets hard. Setting up small tangible rewards for yourself along the way can keep you moving forward when changes in your communication are harder to see.
    Direction
    You know there’s a problem, you want to change, and you’re ready to work hard – now you need a road map. This is where having a good therapist can help you set realistic goals, helping you know where you’re going and how to get there. You’ll receive instructions, exercises, or activities to help you improve.
    Conviction
    Deep down, you have to believe that change is possible. Hope is a powerful drug that makes therapy so much more effective. Some people hear from their doctors that they won’t get any better after 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year… These timelines are untrue and can destroy hope. Hope alone won’t make you better, but without hope, progress is rare.
    www.arni.uk.com
    #arnistrokecharity #strokesurvivorscan #strokesurvivors #strokerecovery #neuroplasticity #strokeexercise #neurorehab #strokerehabilitation #ARNIstrokerehab #neurorehabilitation     ... See MoreSee Less

    5 Factors You Can Control in Stroke Recovery Neurological rehabilitation is a complex process, influenced by many factors – most of which are outside of your control. You can’t control your age, how big your stroke was, or how severe your deficits are. You have limited control over your access to skilled therapy and whether you have a solid support network of friends and family in place. While this lack of control can leave you feeling helpless, there are some important aspects of your recovery that you can take responsibility for. Heres how these 5 personal factors can impact your stroke recovery: Recognition In order to improve, first you must have awareness that there is a problem. If you think you speak just fine, it’s highly unlikely you’ll put in the time and effort required to change your speech. Some stroke and brain injury survivors are unaware they have problems with communication or cognition, a condition called anosognosia, so when they come to therapy, they don’t understand why they’re being asked to do the tasks. Building insight into the problem is an important first step in rehabilitation. Motivation After you recognize you have a problem, you must have the desire to change. If you know your speech is slurred but don’t care, why would you put in the time and effort to improve it? Some people lack motivation because they’re suffering from clinical depression, while some strokes physically damage the neural networks and dopamine pathways that control motivation. If you are feeling chronically unmotivated to improve a known impairment, talk to your doctor. And remember, it’s the person with the problem who must want to change – not just their family. Determination Having the desire to change is a great start, but you also need the resolve to do the work. Changing the brain is possible with repetition and time. There are no easy fixes, so if you really want to change, you have to be prepared to put in the effort – especially when it gets hard. Setting up small tangible rewards for yourself along the way can keep you moving forward when changes in your communication are harder to see. Direction You know there’s a problem, you want to change, and you’re ready to work hard – now you need a road map. This is where having a good therapist can help you set realistic goals, helping you know where you’re going and how to get there. You’ll receive instructions, exercises, or activities to help you improve. Conviction Deep down, you have to believe that change is possible. Hope is a powerful drug that makes therapy so much more effective. Some people hear from their doctors that they won’t get any better after 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year… These timelines are untrue and can destroy hope. Hope alone won’t make you better, but without hope, progress is rare. www.arni.uk.com #arnistrokecharity #strokesurvivorscan #strokesurvivors #strokerecovery #neuroplasticity #strokeexercise #neurorehab #strokerehabilitation #ARNIstrokerehab #neurorehabilitation
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    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery
    6 days ago
    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery

    Have you ever thought about doing core exercises on a chair? (no, me neither). Sit on a hard chair so the back of it is by your good arm. Then lean back, safely, as far as you can, to work your core. So its the same exercise without having to get down to the floor. So wherever you are shuffle forward a bit to give yourself some space to lean back and you can do it anywhere. Clever!
    www.arni.uk.com
    #strokesurvivorscan #neurorehab #strokeexercise #strokerecovery #strokerehabilitation #neuroplasticity #ARNIstrokerehab     ... See MoreSee Less

    Have you ever thought about doing core exercises on a chair? (no, me neither). Sit on a hard chair so the back of it is by your good arm. Then lean back, safely, as far as you can, to work your core. So its the same exercise without having to get down to the floor. So wherever you are shuffle forward a bit to give yourself some space to lean back and you can do it anywhere. Clever! www.arni.uk.com #strokesurvivorscan #neurorehab #strokeexercise #strokerecovery #strokerehabilitation #neuroplasticity #ARNIstrokerehab
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    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery
    7 days ago
    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery

    A habit is something that you do with little effort because you’ve done it hundreds of times before. Repetitive action creates strong pathways in the brain for that specific habit, which is why habits eventually become “mindless.”
    In contrast to this, a stroke can mean that someone has to exert more effort to perform activities of daily living, such as getting dressed. That’s because the stroke damaged the strong neural pathways that once controlled those skills.
    Luckily, the brain can rewire itself to rebuild those neural pathways again. As with all habits, you won’t see results without consistent effort; repeated on a regular basis.
    www.arni.uk.com
    #arnistrokecharity #stroke #strokesurvivors #neuroplasticity #neurorehab #strokerecovery #neurorehab #strokeexercise #strokesurvivorscan     ... See MoreSee Less

    A habit is something that you do with little effort because you’ve done it hundreds of times before. Repetitive action creates strong pathways in the brain for that specific habit, which is why habits eventually become “mindless.” In contrast to this, a stroke can mean that someone has to exert more effort to perform activities of daily living, such as getting dressed. That’s because the stroke damaged the strong neural pathways that once controlled those skills. Luckily, the brain can rewire itself to rebuild those neural pathways again. As with all habits, you won’t see results without consistent effort; repeated on a regular basis. www.arni.uk.com #arnistrokecharity #stroke #strokesurvivors #neuroplasticity #neurorehab #strokerecovery #neurorehab #strokeexercise #strokesurvivorscan
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    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery
    1 week ago
    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery

    ARNI Stroke Charity for stroke survivors, families and healthcare professionals: providing specialist rehabilitation and exercise support after hospital and community physiotherapy finishes.

    www.arni.uk.com
    #arnistrokecharity #strokesurvivorscan #strokesurvivors #strokerecovery #neuroplasticity #strokeexercise #neurorehab #ARNIstrokerehab #strokerehabilitation     ... See MoreSee Less

    ARNI Stroke Charity for stroke survivors, families and healthcare professionals: providing specialist rehabilitation and exercise support after hospital and community physiotherapy finishes. www.arni.uk.com #arnistrokecharity #strokesurvivorscan #strokesurvivors #strokerecovery #neuroplasticity #strokeexercise #neurorehab #ARNIstrokerehab #strokerehabilitation
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    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery
    1 week ago
    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery

    A habit is something that you do with little effort because you’ve done it hundreds of times before. Repetitive action creates strong pathways in the brain for that specific habit, which is why habits eventually become “mindless.”
    In contrast to this, a stroke can mean that someone has to exert more effort to perform activities of daily living, such as getting dressed. That’s because the stroke damaged the strong neural pathways that once controlled those skills.
    Luckily, the brain can rewire itself to rebuild those neural pathways again. As with all habits, you won’t see results without consistent effort; repeated on a regular basis.

    if you want help to develop good habits (that help with your recovery) then call us on 0203 053 0111 or email support@arni.uk.com. We have trainers throughout the country who can help you.
    www.arni.uk.com
    #arnistrokecharity #stroke #strokesurvivors #neuroplasticity #neurorehab #strokerecovery #neurorehab #strokeexercise #strokesurvivorscan     ... See MoreSee Less

    A habit is something that you do with little effort because you’ve done it hundreds of times before. Repetitive action creates strong pathways in the brain for that specific habit, which is why habits eventually become “mindless.” In contrast to this, a stroke can mean that someone has to exert more effort to perform activities of daily living, such as getting dressed. That’s because the stroke damaged the strong neural pathways that once controlled those skills. Luckily, the brain can rewire itself to rebuild those neural pathways again. As with all habits, you won’t see results without consistent effort; repeated on a regular basis. if you want help to develop good habits (that help with your recovery) then call us on 0203 053 0111 or email support@arni.uk.com. We have trainers throughout the country who can help you. www.arni.uk.com #arnistrokecharity #stroke #strokesurvivors #neuroplasticity #neurorehab #strokerecovery #neurorehab #strokeexercise #strokesurvivorscan
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