From Design to Trial: Understanding lived experience and the role of SHAPES in Home-Based Therapy for Post-Stroke Elbow Spasticity

Louise Moody; Mark Reeves; Avril D. McCarthy; T. Jamie Healey; Ali N.  Ali; Wendy Tindale; Krishnan Padmakumari Sivaraman  Nair

doi:10.54941/ahfe1007477

From Design to Trial: Understanding lived experience and the role of SHAPES in Home-Based Therapy for Post-Stroke Elbow Spasticity

Louise Moody
, Mark Reeves
, Avril D. McCarthy
, T. Jamie Healey
, Ali N. Ali
, Wendy Tindale
, Krishnan Padmakumari Sivaraman Nair

Devices for Dignity: The NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in long term conditions
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre
Royal Hallamshire Hospital

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference proceeding › peer-review

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Abstract

This research explores the lived experience of using the ShefStim APS device and a new form of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) known as Sheffield Adaptive Patterned Electrical Stimulation (SHAPES) for poststroke elbow spasticity (PSES).
Spasticity is a common outcome following a stroke, leading to stiffness, discomfort, fatigue, and reduced upper limb mobility. There is a need for early, accessible, and cost effective treatments. The ShefStim APS is a small, wearable, battery powered stimulator secured to the upper arm using a bespoke sleeve, designed to activate sensory nerves through TENS and SHAPES and reduce PSES. A partially double blind Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) is underway to evaluate efficacy and cost effectiveness. As part of the study, experiential semi-structured interviews have been conducted to understand ease of use and acceptance of the device in real world home settings. Thematic analysis
of 15 interviews indicates broadly positive user experiences, with participants reporting
comfortable stimulation sensations, straightforward device operation, and acceptable
wearability of the sleeve. Participants insights suggest areas for further refinement,
particularly improving donning and doffing for one handed use, offering greater
variation in sleeve sizing, and optimising the hydrogel interface to support easier
placement and removal. If the final RCT outcomes reinforce these findings, addressing
these ergonomic considerations should enhance independent u

Original language	English
Title of host publication	AHFE International Healthcare and Medical Devices
Subtitle of host publication	Proceedings for 17th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE 2026)
Editors	Jay Karlra
Publisher	AHFE Conference
Pages	143-153
Number of pages	11
ISBN (Print)	9781964867878
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.54941/ahfe1007477
Publication status	E-pub ahead of print - 20 Jul 2026
Event	17th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics - Fenerbahçe, Turkey Duration: 20 Jul 2026 → 24 Jul 2026

Conference

Conference	17th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics
Abbreviated title	AHFE 2026
Country/Territory	Turkey
City	Fenerbahçe
Period	20/07/26 → 24/07/26

Bibliographical note

Keywords

Usability
Technology Acceptance
Electrical Stimulation
Medical Device Evaluation
Stroke

Access to Document

10.54941/ahfe1007477Licence: CC BY-NC-ND

Moody2026VoRFinal published version, 470 KBLicence: CC BY-NC-ND

Cite this

Moody, L., Reeves, M., McCarthy, A. D., Healey, T. J., Ali, A. N., Tindale, W., & Nair, K. P. S. (2026). From Design to Trial: Understanding lived experience and the role of SHAPES in Home-Based Therapy for Post-Stroke Elbow Spasticity. In J. Karlra (Ed.), AHFE International Healthcare and Medical Devices: Proceedings for 17th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE 2026) (pp. 143-153). AHFE Conference. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.54941/ahfe1007477

From Design to Trial: Understanding lived experience and the role of SHAPES in Home-Based Therapy for Post-Stroke Elbow Spasticity. / Moody, Louise; Reeves, Mark; McCarthy, Avril D. et al.
AHFE International Healthcare and Medical Devices: Proceedings for 17th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE 2026) . ed. / Jay Karlra. AHFE Conference, 2026. p. 143-153.

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference proceeding › peer-review

Moody, L, Reeves, M, McCarthy, AD, Healey, TJ, Ali, AN, Tindale, W & Nair, KPS 2026, From Design to Trial: Understanding lived experience and the role of SHAPES in Home-Based Therapy for Post-Stroke Elbow Spasticity. in J Karlra (ed.), AHFE International Healthcare and Medical Devices: Proceedings for 17th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE 2026) . AHFE Conference, pp. 143-153, 17th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics, Fenerbahçe, Turkey, 20/07/26. https://doi.org/10.54941/ahfe1007477

Moody L, Reeves M, McCarthy AD, Healey TJ, Ali AN, Tindale W et al. From Design to Trial: Understanding lived experience and the role of SHAPES in Home-Based Therapy for Post-Stroke Elbow Spasticity. In Karlra J, editor, AHFE International Healthcare and Medical Devices: Proceedings for 17th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE 2026) . AHFE Conference. 2026. p. 143-153 Epub 2026 Jul 20. doi: 10.54941/ahfe1007477

Moody, Louise ; Reeves, Mark ; McCarthy, Avril D. et al. / From Design to Trial: Understanding lived experience and the role of SHAPES in Home-Based Therapy for Post-Stroke Elbow Spasticity. AHFE International Healthcare and Medical Devices: Proceedings for 17th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE 2026) . editor / Jay Karlra. AHFE Conference, 2026. pp. 143-153

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abstract = "This research explores the lived experience of using the ShefStim APS device and a new form of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) known as Sheffield Adaptive Patterned Electrical Stimulation (SHAPES) for poststroke elbow spasticity (PSES). Spasticity is a common outcome following a stroke, leading to stiffness, discomfort, fatigue, and reduced upper limb mobility. There is a need for early, accessible, and cost effective treatments. The ShefStim APS is a small, wearable, battery powered stimulator secured to the upper arm using a bespoke sleeve, designed to activate sensory nerves through TENS and SHAPES and reduce PSES. A partially double blind Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) is underway to evaluate efficacy and cost effectiveness. As part of the study, experiential semi-structured interviews have been conducted to understand ease of use and acceptance of the device in real world home settings. Thematic analysis of 15 interviews indicates broadly positive user experiences, with participants reporting comfortable stimulation sensations, straightforward device operation, and acceptable wearability of the sleeve. Participants insights suggest areas for further refinement, particularly improving donning and doffing for one handed use, offering greater variation in sleeve sizing, and optimising the hydrogel interface to support easier placement and removal. If the final RCT outcomes reinforce these findings, addressing these ergonomic considerations should enhance independent u",

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From Design to Trial: Understanding lived experience and the role of SHAPES in Home-Based Therapy for Post-Stroke Elbow Spasticity

Abstract

Conference

Bibliographical note

Keywords

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