The ESCAPS study protocol: a feasibility randomised controlled trial of ‘Early electrical stimulation to the wrist extensors and wrist flexors to prevent the post-stroke complications of pain and contractures in the paretic arm’

Only 82 pages,  4,027 words, for your doctor to evaluate to see how to update your arm recovery stroke protocols.  
You do have arm protocols? DON'T YOU?
http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/6/1/e010079.draft-revisions.pdf 

Abstract
Introduction: Approximately 70% of stroke patients experience
impaired arm function, which is persistent and disabling for an estimated 40%. Loss of function reduces independence in daily activities and impacts upon quality of life. Muscles in those who do not recover functional movement in the stroke affected arm are at risk of atrophy and contractures, which can be established as early as six weeks following stroke. Pain is also common. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial to test the efficacy and costeffectiveness of delivering early intensive electrical stimulation (ES) to prevent poststroke complications in the paretic upper limb.
Methods and analysis:
This is a feasibility randomised controlled trial (n=40) with embedded qualitative studies (patient/carer interviews and
therapist focus groups) and feasibility economic evaluation. Patients will be recruited from the Stroke Unit at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust within 72 hours after stroke. Participants will be randomised to receive usual care or usual care and early ES to the wrist flexors and extensors for 30 minutes twice a day, five days a week for 3 months. The initial treatment(s) will be delivered by an occupational therapist or physiotherapist who will then train the patient and/or their nominated carer to self manage subsequent treatments.