UBCO health researchers want stroke patients to tune in

UBCO’s Southern Medical Program is hosting an information session on Friday, June 27 to explain how people recovering from a stroke can get involved with a virtual rehabilitation program.

After a few previous trials, UBC Okanagan’s Dr. Brodie Sakakibara says telerehabilitation is proving to be an effective way for people recovering from a stroke to receive treatment in their homes and communities while continuing with their recovery after discharge from hospital.

Dr. Sakakibara conducts research with the UBC Southern Medical Program’s Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management and has been testing various methods of telerehabilitation for stroke patients. His study, TeleRehabilitation with Aims to Improve Lower Extremity Recovery Post-Stroke (TRAIL), has been running for several years and is now looking for new participants.

He describes the goals of his study and how people can get involved.

Can you explain the benefits of telerehabilitation for stroke patients?

According to our research, telerehabilitation is a new reality.

More people are surviving a stroke and the need for accessible treatment regardless of geographic location is increasingly important.

While the efficacy and cost of telerehabilitation are similar to that of traditional face-to-face management, individuals report satisfaction with telerehabilitation—especially when therapists are appropriately trained and there is some social interaction.

Many people who have experienced a stroke have their driver’s license revoked, making accessibility to medical or rehabilitation appointments difficult. Telerehabilitation can be done in their own homes and on their own schedules., These individuals get one-on-one time for their treatments and can easily access the expertise of clinical therapists.

Why specifically target the lower limbs?

Shortened length of hospital stays and continued challenges in transitioning back to the community—including poor access to continued stroke rehabilitation services—have resulted in substantial unmet recovery needs. This is especially true for lower extremity recovery. People can struggle to regain balance, stability and gait coordination for daily life activities and even proper ambulation.

How does the study work?

TRAIL provides patients with a four-week progressive exercise and self-management program that is delivered by videoconference in real time by a trained physiotherapist. Participants work to improve strength, balance and other mobility issues like regaining full use of their legs.

Our end goal is to prove that telerehabilitation for stroke patients works and be rolled out across the health-care system.

How can people get involved?

We are hosting an information session on Friday, June 27 at the Vernon branch of the Okanagan Regional Library. We will have UBC researchers, Interior Health clinicians as well as representatives from the March of Dimes and Patient Partners at the event. They will be able to answer questions about advancements in clinical trials, new research and resources for after-stroke support.

The event is free and open to anyone interested in learning more about the study and other stroke research in the Okanagan. To register visit: events.ok.ubc.ca/event/understanding-stroke-research-in-the-okanagan-2.

Anyone who can’t attend the event is welcome to contact the research team by email at [email protected]