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Home-therapy for the chronic stage of stroke recovery: a feasibility study

Year:
2013
Duration:
12 months
Approved budget:
$134,514.73
Researchers:
Associate Professor James Stinear
Health issue:
Cardiovascular/cerebrovascular
Proposal type:
Feasibility Study
Lay summary
In New Zealand, only 11% of people with stroke receive any rehabilitation therapy after they leave hospital. This is despite research that shows rehabilitation therapy is capable of improving hand and arm function months or years after stroke. This means that there are tens of thousands of people living with stroke in our community who have an untapped capacity to recover. The objective of this feasibility study is to test and design a "home-therapy" protocol. This will involve a study physiotherapist assessing the therapy needs of a person with stroke and training a family member, friend, or other volunteer as a "home-coach" to implement daily therapy in the home. The feasibility study outcomes will inform a subsequent clinical trial. The research has the potential to revolutionise the delivery of long-term rehabilitation services in New Zealand. The research therefore has high public health relevance.