Will a Keyboard help Arm and hand function

Gilly
Gillyon Wednesday, December 11 2019
2 Comments

My husband is two and a half years post stroke, and cannot use his left arm/hand. There is no longer free access to occupational therapy, and I'm looking for ways to try and get some movement back so that he can use his left arm at least to some degree.

I'm thinking of buying him a keyboard for Christmas has anyone any ideas on this.

Flint rehab do have the Fitme and the Music Glove  but they're only available in the US and too expensive.

 

2 Responses
George avatar
George

Have tried many instruments and my best results have been with Bongo drums

StrokeLine avatar
StrokeLine

Hi Gilly,

 

Thank you for starting a conversation about upper limb rehabilitation on EnableMe. I am sorry to hear about your husband’s stroke and the ongoing difficulties he is having with his left arm/hand.

 

The most appropriate rehabilitation for your husband depends on the current function (strength, movement, sensation etc) in his arm and hand. There are a number of rehabilitation devices on the market but it’s generally not a one size fits all in stroke. Having an assessment by an occupational therapist or physiotherapist and receiving guidance on a home program and any devices is recommended. Some devices can be expensive and may not be appropriate or have the evidence behind them. A therapist would be able to assess his current abilities and take into consideration any goals and what he is wanting to achieve. Practicing daily activities (such as typing if this is a goal for him) and using the hand is very helpful but it does depend on what your husband can do with the hand.

 

It might be best for you to give us a call on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 (9am-5pm Mon to Fri AEST) so we can discuss ongoing therapy options for your husband and better tailor the advice to his situation. He may be able to be re-referred for Community Based Rehabilitation or receive private therapy through a Chronic Disease Management Plan. We have an occupation therapist and physiotherapist on our team here you can speak with.

 

Another good option is to keep an eye on research projects your husband might be able to participate in for his upper limb.

https://strokefoundation.org.au/What-we-do/Research/Research-projects-seeking-participants

 

We can’t comment specifically on the FitMi device. Some stroke survivors have found it beneficial, you can follow the link here to see a discussion about it.

 

Please note our office will be closed from lunchtime on the 24 of December and reopen on the 2 of January.

 

Warm regards,

 

Kath, StrokeLine

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