Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the UK, and up to 80 per cent of stroke survivors experience reduced arm function. At Hampshire Hospitals, the Winchester-based stroke team is celebrating the arrival of innovative robotic technology, the Fourier M2, which is making a major difference to the rehabilitation that is so important for a patient’s recovery. 

Bought with generous funding from local charity, the Hampshire Medical Fund, the Fourier M2 is an advanced robotic workstation designed for upper limb neurorehabilitation and physical therapy.

It uses interactive games to engage patients in a large number of repetitive tasks which help stimulate recovery by enabling the brain to relearn lost functions.

Patients are completing significantly more therapy as the game-based environment keeps their attention and encourages practise for longer periods. This translates into meaningful improvements in strength and movement, which are built upon during traditional therapy sessions focused on everyday function and independence.

Steve Williams, Hampshire Hospitals Clinical lead for stroke and Advanced Practice Physiotherapist says:  “We know that intensive rehabilitation involving high-quality, repetitive upper limb practice drives recovery after stroke.

“The system means patients can complete intensive, high-quality practice independently.

“By providing patients with more access to therapy we hope to see improved recovery outcomes with more stroke survivors regaining meaningful independence.”

Arm function has a profound impact on everyday life; simple activities such as washing, dressing, preparing meals, using technology, or carrying out household tasks all depend on hand and arm function. As patients regain movement and strength, they become more independent and require less support from others.

In the longer term, improved recovery can help people return to work, resume hobbies, and participate more fully in family and community life.