Just wondering how others are going with the saebbostretch training arm, I've had for a month and slow progress, up to 15 minutes twice a day, knew I was a poor candidate, high finger tone

Hello,

I’ve had some experience with using the Saebo flex in the past with variable results. I subjectively found the sooner it was implemented after the stroke, the better the outcome. However, from memory I believe some of the case studies and more formal research shows benefit even years after the stroke. If you have long term tone it may take some time to rewire the brain so I would persevere a little longer if you have the time and energy. Repetition is key and it’s important to ensure you have the device fitted correctly. Are you getting regular reviews by an occupational therapist or physiotherapist while using it? Perhaps your exercises need tweaking?

You could try to increase the duration to 20 minutes or try it 3 x daily for another month to see if this brings about any more changes. I would also try completing some visual imagery/mental rehearsal or mirror therapy afterwards as well to see if that brings about further changes.

This is an interesting article on mental rehearsal and suggests it may still have benefits when used in conjunction with other rehabilitation exercises.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3097892/

If you want to discuss please don’t hesitate to call StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

Best wishes with your recovery!

Simone (Occupational Therapist for StrokeLine)

I'm an occupational therapist also with an interest in the Saeboflex/Saeboglove. Recently, Ive been assisting a local therapist to plan an evaluation of Saeboflex/Saeboglove, by measuring outcomes of the stroke participants attending her sessions. I've read most of the research published to date. There are no definitive randomised trials yet, only small studies involving 10-14 participants. Most studies involved people who were 3 months or longer post stroke (Barry et al, 2012, J of Neurological Physiotherapy Rehab; Jeon et al, 2012, Topics in Stroke Rehab) . One study involved people in hospital (less than 3 months post stroke), Stuck et al, 2014, OT international).

Results were highly variable across studies and individuals.  Most studies present individual people's scores, so you can see the variability. Bottom line: The stroke survivors who did most practice, usually at home, got the best results/ largest change in their hand/arm scores. Average daily repetitions over 12 weeks ranged from 5 to 173 PER DAY, in the study by Stuck and colleagues in England ( the only study to record reps completed). So if you want to see results, my advice is to aim to complete 200-300 reps per day, for at least six weeks if you want to get the type of benefits advertised. You will have spent at least $2500 on the Saeboflex, maybe more, so I'd suggest you give the treatment a good trial. It doesn't seem to be too late for recovery, so anytime is OK.

Some of the studies set target reps to be completed, but compliance with practice was difficult for stroke survivors. So don't be too hard on yourself if you can't manage to practice everyday, but aim for 5-6 days per week for a limited period.

The studies  often use a measure called the 'Action Research Arm test' and we can compare changes in scores across studies. On this 57 point scale, very small changes of less than 6 points were recorded by Barry and Jeon, but the Stuck study reported 28 points change - a large change on average - greater change for those people who did more practice/reps per day.

I hope this is helpful. I would REALLY like to hear from more stroke survivors who have used the Saeboflex of Glove.