Study

What is the purpose of the study?

Young people with hemiplegia have weakness and stiffness affecting the use of one side of the body. We want to assess the potential benefit of a wrist-worn device that records arm movement (a bit like a Fitbit), along with an age appropriate smartphone app. This is to encourage increased use of the affected hand and arm.

The device will monitor your hand and arm movements (on both sides of the body), provide vibration prompts during the day, and record this data on the app via Bluetooth connectivity. The app will provide feedback regarding levels of activity, at the end of each day. You will also have a target for your level of arm and hand activity at various points in the day.

Why have I been chosen?

In our study we will have 20 individuals between the ages of 8 and 18 years with hemiplegia. We will also have 20 ‘buddies’ of a similar age (ideally the same age, or in the same school year) who do not have hemiplegia. These buddies are chosen and approached by you and your family, and can then choose (with their families) whether they want to take part.

Do I have to take part?

Participation is voluntary. If you agree to take part, we will ask you to sign a consent form. If you change your mind, you can be withdrawn from the study at any point without having to give a reason. This will not affect your clinical care.

What will happen if I take part

At the start of the study we will assess your hand and arm function. This will be undertaken by an experienced occupational therapist. It will involve some video recorded assessments (so that they can be reviewed and accurately scored afterwards). All data collected will be stored securely and confidentially on a Newcastle University secure server, and will only be accessed by a member of the research team. All data collected in the study will be given a unique ID number and stored separately from the participant name and contact details. The assessments are detailed in the information sheets.