Help co-design a physical activity program for stroke survivors

Project Details

Help co-design a physical activity programs for stroke survivors

Researchers are looking for stroke survivors, carers, clinicians researchers and service providers to help design personalised physical activity programs and resources to make sure it meets their needs.

Participants will take part in 1 or 2 workshops. The aim is to:

  • design a physical activity “package” with options so that people with stroke can personalise their program.
  • produce a guide for clinicians to work with stroke survivors in setting up these programs.

The package will:

  • Help health professionals provide sustainable and engaging physical activity programs with stroke survivors
  • Help stroke survivors build habits around being physically active

Volunteers are needed to make sure the design meets the needs of stroke survivors and clinicians.

A man bushwalking A member of the team doing a leg press

Pictures: Some of the friendly faces of the research team being physically active. (L-R) Mr Paul Fink, Dr Chris Tzefronis

Why is this research being done?

Physical activity is important for improving outcome after stroke and preventing future stroke. However, after stroke things such as weakness, poor balance, and difficulty with problem-solving and motivation can make being physically active challenging. For many stroke survivors physical activity is not sustained after their official program finishes. We need better programs that empower stroke survivors to stay active long term.

The aim of this study is to design a pathway to personalised, engaging and targeted physical activity programs for stroke survivors. Researchers working together with stroke survivors, carers and clinicians will “co-design” a new physical activity intervention, using an integrated knowledge translation approach, that will be tested in a future trial.

Who can participate in this research?

  • People who have had a stroke and are over the age of 18 years and
    • Able to participate in a workshop in person at the University of Melbourne or via internet video conference or over the phone
    • Received some physical rehabilitation following their stroke
  • Carers of people who had a stroke
  • Clinicians, researchers and other service providers with at least 3 years of experience working with people with stroke

What will you be asked to do?

Participants will be asked to join 1 or 2 workshops that will run for less than 2 hours. This project will involve people who have had a stroke, carers, health professionals, researchers, and other members of the community involved in stroke rehabilitation. During the workshops you and others in the group will discuss your knowledge, opinions and experiences to create physical activity programs, resources and processes. You will also be asked to answer a few brief questions about yourself and complete a survey following each workshop.

You can take part in the workshop either:

  • In person at the university, OR
  • From home via an internet video conference, OR
  • From home via a phone call.

Regular breaks will be provided during the workshop. The workshops will also involve up to three members of the researcher team.

Download participant information statements

Download participant information statements below:

Register your interest

To find out more, to register your interest or to be invited to participate in other studies in stroke rehabilitation and recovery, please contact:

Dr Natalie Fini

0401 303 749 | natalie.fini@unimelb.edu.au

Researchers

The team for this research project is:

Research Group

Neurological rehabilitation


Key Contact

For further information about this research, please contact the research group leader.

Department / Centre

Physiotherapy

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