Promising New Wearable Could Retrain the Brain After Stroke
In a significant advancement for chronic stroke treatment, Stanford University and Georgia Tech researchers have developed a glove that shows promise in alleviating spasticity, potentially offering a novel alternative to traditional Botox injections. This device, which delivers subtle vibro-tactile stimulation, has demonstrated in clinical trials the capability to relieve muscle stiffness when used for three hours daily over eight weeks. The underlying mechanism believed to tap into the brain’s neuroplasticity suggests that such stimulation could help retrain the brain, restoring balance to neural circuits disrupted by stroke. Currently exclusive to clinical trial participants, the glove is anticipated to become more widely available in the coming years, supported by recent grant funding aimed at commercial development. This breakthrough highlights a shift towards innovative, non-invasive treatments in stroke rehabilitation, promising a more accessible and potentially cost-effective option for managing post-stroke spasticity.
Promising New Wearable Could Retrain the Brain After Stroke (Amandolare, 3/4, Medscape).
