Accelerometers - Embedded lycra sleeves to test wear compliance and upper limb activity in people with stroke: a feasibility study - UK Stroke Forum 2021

Kumar, Praveen; Leake, Jason; Brodie, Shannon; Molton, Jennifer; O'Reilly, Rosie; Pearce, Alex; Steele, Jade; Caleb-Solly, Praminda

Abstract

Background: To establish a possible effect of Lycra sleeves, accurate recording of wear time is critical. The aim of this study was to test whether an accelerometer-embedded Lycra sleeve can measure wear compliance and record upper limb (UL) movements/activity in people with stroke. Methods: A convenience sample of seven adults with stroke resulting in unilateral UL weakness were approached. Participants wore accelerometer-embedded Lycra sleeve on their affected arm for 8-10 hrs/day for 14 days and were prescribed four simple upper limb exercises. They completed a diary to record daily sleeve wear time and exercise times. Upper limb function, shoulder muscle strength, range of movement and pain were assessed at day 1 and 14. Results: Seven participants were approached and five participants (72±10 years) were recruited. Mean time since stroke was 20 months. Using an acceleration movement threshold of 0.01g (g=acceleration of gravity) and the constructed algorithm the sleeve donning and doffing time was identified. Mean accelerometer and diary recorded wear time were 11.64 hours/day (SD 2.64) and 11.27 hours/day (SD2.03) hours/day respectively. Individual spikes above threshold indicated UL activity but could not distinguish participant-recorded exercises from daily UL use. Arm function showed improvement in three out of five participants. Conclusions: Accelerometers provide a practical method to record wear-time of a Lycra sleeve, overcoming the necessity for patients to keep diaries, which can often be unreliable. A more sensitive accelerometer, which can detect the direction of the acceleration and movement should be considered in future study. Clinical Relevance: Accelerometers provide accurate data on Lycra sleeve wear-time and may help with monitoring adherence.

• Presentation Conference Type: Presentation / Talk
• Conference Name: UK Stroke Forum Conference, 2021
• Start Date: Nov 28, 2021
• End Date: Dec 2, 2021
• Deposit Date: Dec 26, 2022
• Keywords: Accelerometers; Lycra sleeve; Stroke; UK Stroke Forum
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10239491
• Related Public URLs: https://10times.com/uk-stroke-forum-conference