Research project: Feasibility of trunk training post stroke using video games

Trunk control and balance problems are common in stroke survivors and these can affect everyday activities, for example when reaching forward to grasp a cup on a table.

Many studies have shown that stroke survivors use extra trunk movements when using their arms to reach. If this extra movement during reaching and other tasks continues for a long time, it may also lead to abnormal trunk, arm, and leg movements, which may limit recovery in the longer term.   

We are currently testing if trunk training using video games will make any change in the trunk and both upper and lower limb functions in chronic stroke population. The video games will be carried out using a virtual reality (VR) technology called Valedo system comprises of three lightweight wearable sensors. When participant wear the sensor can interact with visual and auditory stimuli given by the video games.

We are testing it with people who have had a stroke from more than 6 months and have an arm impairment. The participants will require to attend 3 assessment sessions and 18 trunk exercise sessions.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Norah Alhwoaimel
Telephone : 02380592021    
Email: n.alhwoaimel@soton.ac.uk

Supervisors:
Dr. Ann-Marie Hughes
Dr. Ruth Turk