University of Ulster
Keywords: stroke, gait analysis, smart insoles, rehabilitation
Open to: People over the age of 18, that have suffered from a stroke, are clinically stable, discharged from statutory services, and can walk 100 meters with/without any form of walking aid.
Deadline: 1 April 2024
How to Apply: Please complete this form which allows us to determine your eligibility.
Contact: Luigi D’Arco, e-mail: darco-l@ulster.ac.uk
Research participation requests are sent to the Stroke Association from external research institutions (e.g. universities and hospitals).
We conduct checks on these before promoting but are not involved in their running. This means we cannot comment on trials and have no affiliation with them.
This study seeks to understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of using smart insoles in stroke rehabilitation from the perspective of stroke survivors, as well as the usability and effectiveness of smart insoles for assessing gait impairments.
Participants in the study will be asked to wear a pair of smart insoles and complete a series of gait tests to assess their ability to walk. The participant at the end of the data collection session will be asked to complete a questionnaire to evaluate their perspectives about smart insoles.
People are invited to participate if they are over the age of 18, have suffered from a stroke, are clinically stable, discharged from statutory services, and can walk 100 meters with/without any form of walking aid.
What is the opportunity about?
Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with gait impairments being a common consequence of the condition.
This study seeks to understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of using smart insoles in stroke rehabilitation from the perspective of stroke survivors, as well as the usability and effectiveness of smart insoles for assessing gait impairments.
By examining the stroke survivor’s walking patterns, this study aims to provide valuable insights that can inform the development and implementation of wearable technologies to support clinical assessment for stroke rehabilitation, ultimately improving the quality of care for stroke survivors.
What will it Involve?
If you decide to participate, you will be asked to wear smart insoles and complete a series of walking and balancing tests for at most 60 minutes.
The data collected from the smart insoles will be used to assess your gait impairments. You will also be asked to complete a survey on your experience with the smart insoles.
Who can take part?
To be eligible to participate in this study, you must:
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Be between 18 and 75 with a diagnosis of stroke.
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Clinically stable, discharged from statutory services.
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Capacity to provide informed consent.
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Ability to walk 100m independently (a walking aid, walking stick or rollator may be used).
What will you get from taking part?
Participating in this study will give you access to cutting-edge wearable technologies and discover how they can support your clinical assessment and rehabilitation process.
Additionally, your participation in this study will help us better understand the perspectives of stroke survivors when it comes to wearable technologies.
This knowledge will be used to inform the development of future technologies better suited to the needs of stroke survivors.
How Can I Take Part?
If you are interested in participating, fill out the form that allows us to determine your eligibility for this study, at the following link: Wearable Technologies to Support Clinical Assessment for Stroke Rehabilitation - Participant Screening Form
Information on taking part in research
Research participation helps research teams to test new ideas and approaches by sharing information or trying new approaches in clinical trials.
Find out more about taking part in research
Taking part in clinical trials can support research to:
- Stop strokes from happening.
- Treat strokes.
- Support people to rebuild their lives.
By taking part in research, you can help us to learn more about stroke and make a difference in the lives of future stroke survivors.
Find out about how our research has made a difference in the lives of people affected by stroke.
We have produced the Clinical Trials and Stroke booklet to explain more about clinical trials and answer questions you might have about taking part. The booklet was produced with the NIHR Clinical Research Network.
Information on Research Involvement
Research Involvement is a different way of contributing to research that involves collaborating with researchers to design decisions about how research is shaped and conducted.
You do not need any research knowledge to do this, your lived experience is what would otherwise be missing. Involvement is about contributing this to shape projects in ways that create most potential to benefit people affected.