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The VTS Glove: A Game Changer in Stroke Recovery

For many stroke survivors, regaining hand and arm function after experiencing post-stroke spasticity can be an incredibly difficult and frustrating journey. Traditional treatments like Botox injections or oral medications can offer temporary relief, but often come with side effects and inconvenience. But what if a new, non-invasive wearable technology could offer relief and promote lasting recovery?

Meet the VTS Glove. This wireless, glove-like device uses high-frequency vibrations to provide targeted therapeutic tactile stimulation to the hand and fingers. It is designed for daily, at-home use, allowing survivors to incorporate rehabilitation into their daily lives for approximately three hours a day.

A study recently published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that daily use of the VTS Glove led to significant reductions in spasticity (involuntary muscle stiffness) and hypertonia (excessive muscle tone) in the hands of chronic stroke survivors. In the study, over half of the participants who regularly used Botox injections for spasticity found the VTS Glove to be as effective or even more effective in reducing their symptoms. The study found that positive changes persisted even one month after participants stopped wearing the glove, suggesting a potential for long-term retraining effects. Some participants also experienced improved voluntary finger extension and restored tactile sensation.

By reducing spasticity, the device can empower survivors to regain greater control and use of their affected hand. A patient at the University of Southampton, who was unable to move his hand for eight years after his stroke, was able to move it again with the help of a similar device, calling the experience ‘breathtaking.’ Since it can be used at home, the glove offers a more accessible and less disruptive therapy option compared to frequent clinic visits for injections or other treatments. Some participants in clinical trials reported voluntarily reducing or stopping their oral muscle relaxants or Botox injections, relying instead on the VTS Glove for symptom relief.

While the current research is very promising, more studies are planned to further explore the long-term effectiveness and optimal design of the device. For now, it represents a hopeful new frontier for stroke survivors and their caregivers.


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