A recent breakthrough in stroke rehabilitation could offer hope to millions suffering from impaired motor functions. A discreet and flexible armband, developed by the startup Neubond, has shown promising results in a small study involving stroke patients, helping restore flexibility in disabled arms. The device is designed to integrate into the daily lives of users, allowing them to perform rehabilitation activities more efficiently.
Neubond, co-founded by Jumpei Kashiwakura and Patrick Sagastegui Alva, has collaborated with stroke survivors from a support group based near Imperial College London. The company’s prototype has been the focus of a study published in the journal NYU Scholars, highlighting its potential to transform rehabilitation for those with motor impairments.
The armband is worn around the upper forearm and is embedded with electrodes that detect muscle activation signals. These electrodes send electrical impulses to stimulate the nerves, effectively aiding in reestablishing the connection between the brain and the muscles. According to Kashiwakura, the device promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural pathways to regain lost motor functions. This means the brain adapts and relearns how to control the affected limb over time.
Stroke survivor Lisa Vincent is one of the participants in the study and has experienced remarkable improvement. After just eight sessions using the armband, Vincent reported a significant increase in mobility in her left arm, which had been severely affected by her stroke. “My arm was completely rigid,” she said in an interview with *Reuters*. “Now I can bend and flex it with much more control.”
For Vincent, the real breakthrough came in a personal moment with her granddaughter. “My granddaughter, she’s 8 months old, and she was only allowed to sit on my lap because I couldn’t hold her. But 3 weeks ago, my daughter put her on my lap, and I held her with this arm because I felt in control of the wrist and I was confident enough,” she shared, her voice filled with emotion. “I cried myself to sleep that night. It was amazing to be able to do that.”
Neubond’s innovation has gained recognition in entrepreneurial circles, as the company emerged as one of the five finalists in Imperial College London’s prestigious Venture Catalyst Challenge (VCC). This program provides a platform for startups and alumni to refine their business ideas for commercial success. During the three-month program, teams participate in coaching sessions, workshops, and pitch training to prepare for the final competition. With a prize pool of £100,000, the VCC is the largest university entrepreneurial contest in the UK.
Neubond’s success in the VCC is a testament to the potential of its armband in revolutionizing stroke rehabilitation. As the company continues to refine the device, it could become a vital tool for millions of stroke survivors worldwide, offering them the chance to regain control over their limbs and improve their quality of life.
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