Published Monday, 20 September 2010
The non-invasive technique, which involves stimulating the brain with magnetic impulses, could be used to help over half of stroke patients recover muscle movement.
"What we're trying to do is retrain parts of the brain that were not damaged in order to take over part of the brain that is damaged," professor Richard Carson from Queen's told UTV.
"We believe that this brain stimulation can be enhanced by simultaneous use of the muscles in the unaffected arm.
"It could transform the recovery of 50% of stroke survivors who are left with disability in one arm."
Strokes are the third biggest killer in Northern Ireland and the leading cause of disability.
Every year around 4,000 people suffer a stroke. One third of victims die and one third are left with long-term disabilities.
After two sessions of the pioneering treatment, patient Steven Weir says he has made remarkable progress towards regaining movement in the limb.
The 53-year-old was left with limited use of his left arm four years ago.
"It's a lovely feeling," Mr Weir told UTV. "It just feels like a tickling sensation and then your fingers and everything are moving.
"They haven't moved for four years and then they're moving now. It's great."
Queen's PhD student Jemma Ennis Dawson electrodes pass a small current through the impaired limb.
"That will give Steven some movement and by doing that we can begin to strengthen muscles. Hopefully overtime he'll be able to regain some function", she explained.
Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke provided £45,000 in funding to help psychologists at the university with their work.
The charity announced the research into the new technology to mark its Stroke Awareness Week, which runs from September 20 - 27.
Chief Executive Andrew Dougal says at least 40% of strokes are preventable and lifestyle changes could make all the difference.
"Diet is extremely important," Mr Dougal told UTV.
"We need to reduce the amount of fat and the amount of sugar. We eat too much salt and we need to reduce that.
"This exciting research project is just one example of the investment we make in trying to ensure the best possible recovery for stroke survivors.
"We also provide novel forms of therapy and rehabilitation, such as art and music therapy and horse riding, which can transform a person's self-confidence after stroke."