Stroke Patient Arm Supporter

A device providing mechanical weight support for people with hemiplegia to enable them to carry out rehabilitation exercises at home

The technology

Our researchers have developed a medical device that provides mechanical weight support for people with hemiplegia to enable them to carry out rehabilitation exercises on their own at home, reducing costs for the patient. We want to enable patients to practice arm and hand exercises at their convenience to complement formal rehabilitation sessions.

Stage of development

The system is currently in the third prototype iteration and is undergoing further feasibility testing with individuals living with the side effects of a stroke.

Benefits

  • the device provides mechanical support that de-weights the arm allowing the patient to carry out arm and hand rehabilitation exercises on their own
  • low-cost device productions
  • the device will reduce patients' cost for the NHS
  • fits the self-management of long-term conditions promoted by NHS England and Scotland

Applications

Based on the UK population of stroke survivors - 1.1 million - with 100,000 new cases every year, 60% of which are estimated to have arm/hand problems, the UK market is around 60,000 for new people and 600,000 for existing cases.