University of Sheffield leads trial on device for stroke-related arm weakness

The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are conducting a trial to evaluate a device designed to help stroke survivors regain arm strength. The Triceps trial invites participants who have experienced a stroke between six months and 10 years ago to test the portable, pacemaker-like device.

The device delivers electrical pulses to damaged areas of the brain via a connected earpiece, with the aim of improving hand and arm function in individuals left with permanent arm weakness following a stroke. Each year, approximately 110,000 people in the UK suffer a stroke, with over 36,500 facing long-term arm weakness that impacts their ability to perform everyday tasks such as brushing teeth, cooking, or shopping.

Funded by a partnership between the Medical Research Council and the National Institute for Health and Care Research, with additional support from the Stroke Association and the Association of British Neurologists, the trial began in November 2023. It aims to recruit around 240 patients from 19 centres across England and Wales over the next year.

Phil Herbert, one of the participants, shared his early experiences with the device, “I’m noticing a difference already. I have more movement to open and close kitchen cupboards. I still can’t use my fingers, so I can’t hold a pen or type with my right hand, but I’m hoping that by the end of the trial, I may be able to use my fingers more – that’s my goal.”

The trial is led by Professor Arshad Majid, a Consultant Neurologist at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and professor of neurology at the University of Sheffield. He explained the significance of the study, “Arm weakness after a stroke impacts on all aspects of living and it’s a significant problem for those who survive a stroke. The main advantage of this trial is that it’s a non-invasive treatment. Patients can do the therapy in their own homes, with exercises and regular check-ins every two weeks via video call.”

The wearable device stimulates the vagus nerve using a gentle electrical current transmitted through a wired earpiece. It is believed to improve the transmission of nerve signals from the brain to the arm, facilitating movement. Previous studies have indicated that stimulating the nerve while the patient attempts to move the affected arm can restore electrical signals and reduce arm weakness.

The trial is supported by the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and seeks to advance non-invasive therapies for stroke rehabilitation. Results from the study are expected to offer new insights into improving quality of life for stroke survivors.