IT Sligo researchers using mirrors to help patients recover from stroke
Ateam of researchers at Institute of Technology, Sligo is using mirror therapy to help stroke patients improve the strength and mobility of affected limbs. The Stroke Research Group, led by Institute lecturer and chartered physiotherapist
Dr Kenneth Monaghan, uses mirrors to ‘trick’ the brain into believing that a weak limb is functioning properly, thus kick-starting a recovery process.
Following clinical trials on more than 60 patients, Enterprise Ireland granted the team €15,000 in August to investigate the feasibility of developing the product commercially.
Dr Monaghan says 40pc of patients reported ‘a significant life-changing improvement’ after undergoing the trials. The researchers use a treadmill with a mirror attached, and alternatively a brace for strengthening arms and legs, which incorporates the mirror therapy. Both devices were created by Dave Roberts, a lecturer in Creative Design at IT Sligo.
“I think it’s good news for people who have had a stroke and who have limited function as a result. This therapy can improve dexterity and strength for a significant proportion,” says Dr Monaghan.
Two of the researchers, PhD students Monika Ehrensberger and Daniel Simpson, presented a paper on their findings at the European Stroke Conference in Berlin during the summer, while Irish and international experts have expressed an interest in collaborating with them.
“We have seen strength gains as well as improvement in function, which has an impact on quality of life,” says Mr Simpson, who has spent two years travelling to patients’ homes with Ms Ehrensberger to provide the therapy three times a week over a four-week period.
PhD student Patrick Broderick, who specialises in the treadmill-with-mirrortherapy, says it has the potential to transform lives.
Dr Monaghan says: “This has never been done before. The mirror on the treadmill helps people to walk more symmetrically. In other words, they lose that stroke gait.”
The team, which operates within the Clinical Health & Nutrition Centre at IT Sligo, has been awarded more than €230,000 in grants over the last two years, including funding from the college, the Northwest Stroke Support Group and Enterprise Ireland.
Many of those participating in the trials were referred by local medical experts from Sligo University Hospital (SUH) and St John’s Community Hospital, Sligo.
Dr Paula Hickey, consultant geriatrician at SUH, says more than 30,000 people in Ireland live with disability due to stroke.
“Through our collaboration with this research group, we are seeing substantial benefits in a group of patients that traditionally might have been viewed as having ‘finished’ their treatment and even felt to be beyond help.”
Ms Ehrensberger says recovery appeared to be more marked in ‘moderate’ patients, while Dr Monaghan acknowledged that patients might not benefit several years after having had a stroke.
“After several years, the muscle and tissue tighten up if not moved.”
The Enterprise Ireland grant will be used for market research into the potential of the brace.
“If the results are good, which they should be, we will apply for a full commercial grant to make the product which people could bring into their own homes. It all ties into the idea of getting people out of hospital,” says Dr Monaghan.