Study Rationale

What do we hope to find out?

We want to measure how brain activity changes after someone has had a stroke that affected their upper limb.

We also want to know whether non-invasive brain stimulation can change brain activity after a stroke.

What do you mean by brain activity?

Brain activity refers to the communication of brain cells via electrical impulses. We know that this activity changes after a stroke. These changes may be related to how the brain recovers after a stroke.

Our focus is on the relationship between changes in brain activity and improvements in the arm and hand.

Specifically, we are interested in changes in the responsiveness, or "excitability" of the brain.

How does brain "excitability" relate to recovery?

Early after a stroke the excitability of the brain can be very high. Later, the excitability of the brain returns to normal levels.

Increased excitability may therefore be a good environment for reorganisation and learning to take place (a process called neuroplasticity).

What is the "Critical Period"?

In the first weeks and months after a stroke rapid recovery often occurs, and patients can be more responsive to therapy. Over time, recovery after stroke slows down.

The early stages after a stroke are therefore considered the "critical period" for heightened recovery.

How can brain stimulation change brain activity?

By applying a weak electrical current to the head, non-invasive brain stimulation can alter the excitability of the brain.

Brain stimulation may therefore be a useful tool to promote a good environment for neuroplasticity. In other words, brain stimulation may be able to mimic, or even prolong, the excitability levels seen early after a stroke.

Will taking part in the ReCAPS study improve the upper limb?

Unfortunately, no. The study aims to improve our understanding of the relationship between brain activity and recovery.

We hope that the results of the ReCAPS study will inform future research exploring ways to improve recovery after a stroke.