A man who had a stroke is taking part in a new Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) study in the hope it may help him regain some movement in his arm and hand.

People who have had a stroke are being invited to participate in the research, which aims to explore whether a wireless, brain-powered computer game can help them regain movement in their arms.

Neuroscientist Dr. Kathy Ruddy said participants will be asked to wear a simple headset that reads brain activity while they imagine moving their affected arm.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of adult disability in Northern Ireland with up to 80% of survivors experiencing arm or hand weakness.

About 3,000 people are admitted to hospital each year having experienced a stroke, with 39,000 stroke survivors recovering at home, many of whom require support.

Once a keen guitarist, 67-year-old Rodney Hamilton, had a stroke at the age of 46 and lost movement in his arm and hand.

The Dundonald man told BBC News NI he misses the music.

He said the experience of playing the video games has been very enjoyable and he is hoping that more people who have experienced a stroke will join the QUB study.

“I would encourage others to take part in the project,” he told BBC News NI.

“It’s very, very good.”

After having a stroke people can find day-to-day tasks, including getting dressed, cooking or writing, extremely difficult.

The team at QUB has said the research is giving hope to those who’ve survived a stroke but are limited due to their movement or speech being affected.

Survivors can be supported by different types of rehabilitation, including through playing games.

Dr Ruddy said brains are adaptable and through a process called neuroplasticity, other parts of the brain can take over lost functions.

The team are looking for about 50 people who have suffered a stroke to take part and use the headsets.

“The brain signals are picked up and used to control a computer game,” Dr Ruddy explained.

“This form of ‘motor imagery’ activates the same brain areas as real movement and it may help keep these body parts healthy and active after a stroke, even when actual movement isn’t yet possible.”

The project is being funded by Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke.

Dr Ruddy said by “incorporating different types of neural signals into brain-controlled games, the team can train human participants to modify specific aspects of their neurophysiological function”.

Stroke survivors, carers and healthcare professionals are invited to come along to an event at Riddel Hall in Stranmillis on Thursday 7 August from 11:00 BST until 15:00 to find out more about the research.

The FAST acronym (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) is a test to quickly identify the three most common signs of stroke.

• Face weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
• Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms fully and keep them there?
• Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? Is their speech slurred?
• Time to call 999: if you see any one of these signs.

Source: Stroke Association