Accelerometers-Embedded Lycra Sleeves to Test Wear Compliance and Upper-Limb Activity in People with Stroke: A Feasibility Study

ABSTRACT Introduction To establish a possible effect of Lycra sleeves, accurate recording of wear time is critical. The aim of this study was to test whether an accelerometer-embedded Lycra sleeve can measure wear compliance and record upper-limb (UL) movements/activity in people with stroke. Methods Seven adults with stroke resulting in unilateral UL weakness were approached for participation in this study as a convenience sample, and five participants were recruited. Participants wore accelerometer-embedded Lycra sleeve on their affected arm for 8 to 10 hrs/d for 14 days and were prescribed four simple UL exercises. They completed a diary to record daily sleeve wear time and exercise times. Upper-limb function, shoulder muscle strength, range of movement, and pain were assessed at days 1 and 14. Results Seven participants were approached, and five participants (72 ± 10 years) were recruited. The mean time since stroke was 20 months. Using an acceleration movement threshold of 0.01 g (g = acceleration of gravity) and the constructed algorithm, the sleeve donning and doffing time was identified. The mean accelerometer and diary-recorded wear time were 11.64 hrs/d (SD, 2.64) and 11.27 hrs/d (SD, 2.03), respectively. Individual spikes above threshold indicated UL activity but could not distinguish participant-recorded exercises from daily UL use. Arm function showed improvement in three of five participants. Conclusions Accelerometers provide a practical method to record wear time of a Lycra sleeve, overcoming the necessity for patients to keep diaries, which can often be unreliable. A more sensitive accelerometer that can detect the direction of the acceleration and movement should be considered in future studies. Clinical Relevance Accelerometers provide accurate data on Lycra sleeve wear time and may help with monitoring adherence.