Help stroke patients recover the use of their arms

Stimulating muscles to reduce the long-term impact of stroke

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation uses a device (functional electrical stimulator) that sends electrical impulses to nerves. This input causes muscles to contract. The electrical stimulation can increase strength and range of motion, and offset the effects of disuse. It is often used to “re-train” or “re-educate” a muscle to function and to build strength after a stroke or surgery, amongst other medical conditions. Hamilton Health Sciences operates the largest integrated stroke program in Ontario; and is recognized as providing the best stroke care in Ontario, receiving an exemplary standing through the accreditation process from CorHealth. Stroke patient volumes at Hamilton Health Sciences (a regional academic teaching hospital) have increased 122% over the last 10 years (since 2010/2011).

Background

On average 90% of patients have muscle weakness in their arms/forearms after a stroke. The increased availability of functional electrical stimulators on the stroke rehabilitation unit can impact the amount of therapy delivered leading to better outcomes for patients. More than 62,000 strokes occur in Canada each year and that number continues to rise, leaving more than 405,000 people in Canada living with the effects of stroke. Women are disproportionately affected by stroke: 45% more women die of stroke than men in Canada, and because they live longer, more women are living with the effects of stroke. Our goal is to reduce the long-term effects of stroke through the increased use of functional electrical stimulators. Hamilton Health Sciences operates the largest integrated stroke program in Ontario, Canada; and is a leading research hospital continuously working to reduce the risk and impact of stroke through clinical care, education and world-class research. The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that stroke costs the Canadian economy $3.6 billion a year in physician services, hospital costs, lost wages, and decreased productivity (even more when you count indirect costs). The anticipated increase in the number of strokes will place a bigger burden on the system and families. As more stroke survivors are created, there will be a need for more services to support them throughout their recovery.

The good deed

We will purchase functional electric stimulation machines (FES machines) for use in the Stroke Rehabilitation Program. These machines will be used to help patients regain either partial or full use of their arms after a stroke. Currently there are not enough machines on the rehabilitation unit to provide patients with the best practice recommendation of 30 minutes/day as part of their broader treatment plan. The Good Deed will allow us to purchase more machines thereby enabling more patients to receive the necessary therapy for the full recommended daily treatment.