New 'at home' tech trialled to help stroke survivors regain movement
BBC World
February 14, 2026
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A new groundbreaking NHS trial is testing a wearable device that could revolutionize stroke recovery by helping survivors regain movement in their arms and hands. The "Triceps" trial involves participants wearing a small electrical device in the ear, which stimulates the vagus nerve—a major nerve connecting the brain and abdomen—while they perform rehabilitation exercises. Early results from over 200 participants suggest promising progress, with some like Amanda James-Hammett experiencing significant improvements in mobility and independence after just 12 weeks of use.
The device, non-invasive and resembling a wired earphone, works alongside a wrist-worn portable unit synced to a smartphone. Unlike earlier vagus nerve stimulation methods that required surgery, this technology allows stroke survivors to perform rehabilitation exercises at home. For Amanda, who suffered a life-altering stroke at 37, the device helped her relearn essential tasks like dressing and cooking, even allowing her to return to her passion for sewing. "It's given me my freedom back," she said.
Stroke remains the leading cause of adult disability in the UK, affecting around 100,000 people annually, with many struggling with long-term arm weakness. Traditional recovery processes can be slow and labor-intensive, often requiring hospital-based rehab. This trial aims to shift care toward home-based solutions, reducing pressure on healthcare systems while empowering patients to regain independence.
The Triceps trial is the largest of its kind, involving 19 NHS sites across the UK and led by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with the University of Sheffield. The study is funded by a £2m grant and aims to recruit up to 270 participants. Researchers hope this innovative approach will not only accelerate recovery but also create a more accessible and sustainable pathway for stroke survivors to regain their independence.
This technology could be a game-changer in stroke rehabilitation, offering a cost-effective, non-invasive alternative to traditional methods. By targeting the brain's neural pathways through vagus nerve stimulation, it aims
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/14/2026