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The Brain Charity
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- November 24, 2015
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Reaching for a high-intensity, high-repetition recovery from your stroke? 🧠💪 Bring on the Novint Falcon haptic device.
Post-stroke recovery hinges on neuroplasticity; the brain's ability to reorganise itself to compensate for injury. Intensive, repetitive, and task-specific training is key to driving this process. The Novint Falcon, a cost-effective, commercially available haptic device, leverages virtual reality (VR) to provide a potent platform for this type of rehabilitation. By simulating a sense of touch, weight, and friction, it creates a more immersive and effective therapeutic environment.
In the picture of the Novint Falcon haptic device, it can be seen mounted with one of the first 3D Touch devices with haptic feedback for computer games. The idea is that you would physically FEEL objects and events in games.
Studies have shown that haptic-enhanced VR training can significantly improve fine motor functions, hand grasping abilities, and coordination in stroke survivors, even those in the chronic stage. The device's ability to simulate tasks like handwriting and object manipulation provides a realistic, low-cost training tool.
By integrating gamified tasks, the Novint Falcon increases patient motivation and engagement. The engaging nature of the exercises promotes higher repetition and longer training sessions, which are crucial for optimal recovery. Its relatively low cost makes it a strong candidate for at-home rehabilitation. Combining it with a smartphone and a custom application allows for frequent, unsupervised practice, extending the reach of therapy beyond the clinic! 🚀
www.ar#strokerehabt#neuroplasticityp#haptictechnologyT#strokerecoveryk#occupationaltherapyn#medtechy#robotics #vrinrehab##Neuroscienceu#research #physicaltherapycalTherapy
How has hard work and high-intensity therapy made a difference in your recovery journey? 👇
Supporters of ARNI Stroke Rehab board on Facebook know all too well that strokes are life-altering, but recovery must a journey paved with hard work and determination! 🧠💪 The latest evidence in neurorehabilitation shows that passive therapy isn't enough. The real magic happens with high-intensity, high-repetition training ✨ Active participation is key because you have to actively engage your brain's learning networks for the best results. The more you do, the stronger those neural connections become.
Challenge yourself! Higher intensity exercises push your brain to rewire and recover faster. This isn't just about movement; it's about neuroplasticity! 💥 Your brain is amazing at rewiring itself, and intense, repetitive training gives it the boost it needs. So, let's celebrate every rep, every challenging session, and every small vi#arni!#ARNIstrokerehabo#strokerecoveryr#strokesurvivore#neurorehabt#strokerehabilitationha#EvidenceBasedMedicinen #EvidenceBasedMedicine
We know that plasticity can make crucial adjustments to the way information flows round your brain, creating new connections between neurons. Plasticity can be harnessed to work for you, or allowed ultimately to work against you as your brain recovers and adapts to the situation. You have the capability, right here, right now to work with your incredible, constantly changing brain. Understanding that you are directly affecting your own neural rewiring by the things you do will change your perspective on every exercise that you instigate from now on.
www.arni.uk.com
#neuroplasticity #neurorehab #ARNIstrokerehab #strokerecovery #strokerehab #strokeexercise #strokerehabilitation #ARNIstrokerehab
We all know that if we can’t walk around properly, it significantly impacts on our independence. Recent research highlights the effectiveness and safety of the ReWalk ReStore™ soft robotic exosuit for improving walking ability in stroke survivors. This innovative device is revolutionising gait training by providing targeted, active assistance to the affected ankle, helping to overcome common mobility challenges.
It consists of an actuator assembly, calf wrap assembly, and shoe insole. A power supply is integrated into the actuator assembly. Bowden cables span these components to transmit assistive forces generated by the actuator to the ankle. One of the cables is located anterior to the ankle and the other is located posterior to the ankle. When the anterior cable is retracted, an ankle dorsiflexion torque is produced. When the posterior cable is retracted, an ankle plantarflexion torque is produced.
The ReStore is uniquely designed to assist both the dorsiflexion (lifting the foot) and plantarflexion (pushing off) actions of the ankle, which are crucial for ground clearance and propulsion during walking. By synchronising its assistance with the patient's own movement, it helps retrain proper gait mechanics.
A multi-site clinical trial found that after just five days of training with the ReStore, participants saw clinically meaningful increases in both their device-assisted and unassisted walking speeds. Some patients achieved even larger gains in a short period. The trial also confirmed the exosuit's safety and reliability when used under the supervision of a physical therapist. No device-related falls or serious adverse events were reported, and users reported high satisfaction with the device.
The ReStore's active assistive approach can probably offer a more advanced solution compared to passive devices like AFOs. It helps retrain and re-engage muscles, rather than simply bracing the ankle.
www.arni.uk.com
#ARNI #ARNIStrokeRehab #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeRehab #ReWalkReStore #SoftRobotics #Neuroplasticity #PhysicalTherapy #ResearchUpdate #EvidenceBasedPractice #GaitTraining #StrokeRecovery #AssistiveTechnology
Approximately 40% of stroke survivors experience this difficulty: to comprehend or produce spoken or written language caused by a cerebrovascular accident. In half of these cases the language impairment still persists one year post-stroke. Aphasia has wide-ranging effects on the ability to function and quality of life of stroke survivors and easily leads to social isolation.
If you need help, ARNI SLT Telerehab can now help YOU, right now, wherever you are in the world!
The latest evidence shows clearly that you can conquer aphasia very successfully with the help of speech and language therapy.
And it also shows that SLT Telerehab is just as effective as in-person, face to face treatment.
We have a team of highly experienced low-cost specialist SLTs (all post-grads from Universities such as UCL, the University of Cape Town etc) who are available to help you right now, in your home, via Zoom. You get a one to one hourly service, based around your diary needs, from the comfort of your own home, with a highly experienced specialist speech and language therapist. Please enquire to arni.uk.com/get-remote-speech-language-help-now/ !
#aphasia #strokesurvivors #strokerecovery #strokerehabilitation #strokerehab #aphasiaawareness #neurorehabilitation #arni #exerciseafterstroke #strokeexercise #strokerecoveryexercises #neuroplasticity #ARNIstrokerehab
www.arni.uk.com
Yes I can't speak properly something in my tongue doesn't work
A thought for youto start your day .......
www.arni.uk.com
#strokerehabilitation #strokerecovery #strokeexercise #neurorehabilitation #strokerehab #strokerecoveryexercises #exerciseafterstroke #neuroplasticity #neurorehab #strokesurvivors #strokerehabilitation #strokerecovery #strokeexercise #neurorehabilitation #strokerehab #strokerecoveryexercises #exerciseafterstroke #neuroplasticity #neurorehab #strokesurvivors #strokesurvivorscancan
The Best Stroke Rehab Tech of 2025 🧠🦾✨ The Vivistim Paired VNS System is leading the charge as one of the most exciting neurorehabilitation technologies of this year. This system combines Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) with intensive task-specific therapy to drive neuroplasticity and deliver sustained, clinically significant improvements in chronic stroke survivors with moderate-to-severe upper extremity deficits.
The system delivers brief pulses of stimulation to the vagus nerve during a therapist-guided rehabilitation session. This pairing enhances the brain's natural ability to reorganize neural circuits, reinforcing the connections needed for regaining arm and hand function, acting as a powerful reinforcement signal to the brain.
Recent findings published in the last 2025 issue of Stroke validated the long-term effectiveness of the therapy. One year after completing the protocol, survivors maintained significant and clinically meaningful improvements in motor function, activity, participation, and quality of life.
The VNS-REHAB trial demonstrated proven efficacy: that stroke survivors receiving paired VNS therapy had improvements in hand and arm function that were two to three times greater than those who received conventional rehabilitation alone.
For us stroke survivors, who are often told that recovery potential plateaus, the Vivistim system could offer new hope for regaining independence in daily tasks. The tech is safe, well-tolerated, and is gaining significant adoption within comprehensive stroke centres. For clinicians, it represents an evidence-based tool for expanding the therapeutic options available for chronic stroke rehabilitation.
www.arni.uk#arni##ARNIstrokerehabR#strokerecoveryo#strokesurvivorvi#strokerehabR#vivistimi#neuroplasticityi#neurorehabilitationa#physicaltherapye#occupationaltherapye#strokerecoveryo#EvidenceBasedPracticectice
Trying to cope with a flaccid left or right upper limb after stroke can be incredibly challenging – and it impacts daily life in so many ways. The lack of voluntary movement and feeling affects everything from simple self-care to safety and emotional well-being.
Everyday life challenges with a flaccid arm include simple tasks like putting on a shirt, buttoning, or sipping become difficult or impossible with one hand. Finding comfortable clothes that are easy to manage is a constant struggle. Holding cutlery, cutting food, or even bringing a drink to the mouth can require new adaptive strategies and assistive devices.
Without muscle tone, the arm and shoulder are vulnerable to injury, pain, and subluxation. Proper positioning with pillows, trays, or specialised slings is essential for preventing pain and further damage. The affected arm can feel like a heavy, lifeless weight, especially when walking, which can also affect balance and increase fatigue.
Some survivors experience sensory changes like numbness or a tingling sensation, which can lead to a lack of awareness of the limb's position. This increases the risk of accidental injury, like pinching the skin or getting the arm caught.
We know at ARNI that it's a natural tendency to compensate by relying on the unaffected arm, which can lead to learned non-use of the affected arm over time but Tom, who had flaccidity for a long time himself knows that we've GOT to fight against this at every conscious moment. To help, ARNI stroke rehab system includes a myriad of techniques to target flaccidity decline in action control over reach, grasp and release.
Online login to ARNI video 5 of 7 shows some of these especially, as does vids 4&6.
www.strokesolutions.co.uk/product/successful-stroke-survivor-dvd-volume-5/ 💖
#ARNI #ARNIStrokeRehab #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeRecovery #UpperLimbFlaccidity #StrokeAwareness #OccupationalTherapy #PhysicalTherapy #Neuroplasticity #Rehabilitation #LifeAfterStroke
Studies have concluded that arm cycling is a useful tool for rehabilitation. They found that muscle force and the range of active movement (shoulder flexion, shoulder abduction, elbow flexion and elbow extension) can be increased significantly.
Have you tried an arm cycle?
www.arni.uk.com
#strokerehab #strokerecovery #neuroplasticity #strokerehabilitation #ARNIstrokerehab #neurorehab #strokeexercise #strokearmrehab
I've got one. It doesn't need to be elaborate
Where is this available to purchase
Where do you place it to use it?
Have you ever tried acupressure?? Please let us know in the comments below!
Research is increasingly shedding light on the therapeutic potential of acupressure: a non-invasive, accessible therapy rooted in traditional Chinese Medicine, as an adjunct to conventional rehabilitation for stroke survivors to improve motor function, balance and mood, offering a promising, low-risk option for enhancing recovery.
A study last month in Frontiers of Neurology explored the use of finger acupressure combined with a lower limb rehabilitation machine in 80 stroke patients. The group receiving the combined therapy showed significant improvements in motor function and balance ability. This suggests that acupressure can boost the effects of modern rehabilitation equipment.
Acupressure has also shown promise in addressing the emotional toll of stroke. Research on auricular (ear) acupressure on post-stroke depression (PSD) patients found it significantly reduced depression levels and improved their overall quality of life. The non-pharmacological nature of this intervention has been found to be a key advantage for many survivors.
Research has indicated a potential physiological mechanism, suggesting that acupressure modulates the autonomic nervous system. A placebo-controlled crossover study on stroke survivors found that active acupressure significantly and more rapidly reduced heart rate, indicating a greater relaxation response. This could be particularly beneficial for managing cardiovascular health post-stroke.
These studies suggest that acupressure, particularly when combined with conventional therapy or wearable devices, can be a safe and effective adjunct to stroke rehabilitation. Its non-invasive nature and potential for self-management make it a promising tool for at-home recovery.
www.arni.uk.com
#arni #ARNIstrokerehab #strokerecovery #strokesurvivor #strokerehab #Acupressure #neurorehabilitation #ResearchUpdate #EvidenceBasedPractice #occupationaltherapy #physicaltherapy #strokerecovery #wellness
Yes 😊 I have horrible headaches which my physio thought were related to my shoulder issues, she taught me the technique and it’s a good way to relieve the pain, I can only say it’s worked for me and it’s great not taking as many painkillers
Soon after my stroke I had a series of shiatsu sessions which seemed to support return of sensation in my affected leg. Also seemed to boost my optimism. It’s good to know research is being done in this area.