Dynamic Lycra Orthoses as an adjunct to upper limb rehabilitation after stroke.:A feasibility randomised controlled trial

Background and Aims: Upper Limb (UL) recovery after stroke at six months is incomplete in up to 66% of cases. Recovery requires high dose repetitive task training that is challenging to achieve. Dynamic Lycra® Orthoses (DLO) are lycra garments designed to provide dynamic support and sensory feedback and may optimise task practice conditions. Often used in rehabilitation, evidence of effects in stroke is scant. The aim of this study was to examine feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial of DLO in stroke rehabilitationMethod:Design: Randomised controlled feasibility trialParticipants: Stroke survivors with UL activity limitation, admitted to two stroke units 2–4 weeks following stroke onset, randomised 2:1 to intervention or control groups. Intervention: After provision of individually tailored dynamic lycra orthosis (DLO), participants wore the DLO for eight hours per day over eight weeks. The control group received usual care. Feasibility out-comes were recruitment and retention rates, recorded adherence, withdrawal and completion, missing data, adverse events. Changes in Action Research Arm Test, Nine Hole Peg Test, Nottingham Sensory Assessment, Motor Assessment Log, Motricity Index, Modified Tardieu were assessed at eight weeks. Results: Recruitment was complete on 30/12/17. Of 43 participants, 25received the DLO. Outcome assessment is ongoing with completion by28/2/18. To date, non-completion of assessment occurred with eight intervention group participants, four because of issues with the DLO, and with four control group participants.Conclusion: This study provides an assessment of feasibility of DLO as an adjunct to rehabilitation after stroke. Results will be reported in May 2018.Trial registration number: Registration No:NCT0306397