SOUTHAMPTON scientists are set to embark on pioneering new research that could see robots significantly improve the lives of stroke victims.

If successful it is hoped the robotic training, combined for the first time in the world with electrical brain stimulation will speed up recovery and see 20 per cent more victims regain the use of their arm and hand.

Patients in the city now have a unique chance to play a pivotal role in the development of the treatment and help it become available to all by volunteering to take part in the study.

Scientists at the University of Southampton will combine transcranial Direct Stimulation (tDCS) with rehabilitation robots, for the hand and arm.

After suffering a stroke many patients lose the use of one of their arms and hands because of damage caused to the part of the brain controlling that movement.

In this £80,000 study, funded by Wessex Medical Trust, the patient will undergo 20 minutes of electrical stimulation to increase the “excitability” of the brain cells, which send the messages to the muscles in the arm.

Once the cells have been stimulated the patient will immediately take part in three 20-minute sessions with the robotic arms to build strength and get the arm and hand moving again.

It is believed the combination of the two treatments will speed up recovery by vastly improve the activity of the brain cells, which will reignite the damaged part of the brain, better preparing it to form new connections when undergoing robotic training.

If proved successful, it is intended that a version of the tDCS machine will be developed for use at home.

The research team from across the university will be led by Professor of Restorative Neu-roscience, Jane Burridge, with support from Dr Ann-Marie Hughes and a PhD student grant-funded by the Maltese Government.

Professor Burridge said: “Through our research, and with the help of people who have had a stroke, we are really hoping to transform the recovery process and lake life more manageable for those who find themselves in that situation in the future.

“If we are right then if this is available in a few years time to patients, instead of 60 per cent not recovering the use of their arm, it might be reduce to 40 per cent and that it what we are hoping for.

“For more people to recover and sooner, allowing them to have their independence back.”

The university is looking to recruit local volunteer patients, who have just suffered a stroke, with a view to commencing the programme next year.

The study will take three years to be completed and volunteers will be asked to take part in the training regime for an hour a day, every day for six weeks, after they return home from hospital.

• Anyone interested in taking part should contact 023 8059 7912 or email jhb1@soton.ac.uk.