Help us test a physical activity program for stroke survivors
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Project Leader
Dr Natalie Fini
Project Details
Help us test a physical activity program for stroke survivors
Researchers are looking for volunteer stroke survivors to participate in a study testing personalised physical activity programs after stroke.
What is the aim of this study?
We aim to find out how long you need to be active for each week (activity duration) and how hard you have to work while active (activity intensity) to be beneficial for your health.
Pictures: Some of the friendly faces of the research team being physically active. (L-R) Dr Chris Tzefronis, Mr Paul Fink
Why is this research being done?
Physical activity is important for improving how you move and feel after stroke and preventing another stroke or other cardiovascular problem. However, after stroke, things such as muscle weakness, reduced balance and low motivation can make being physically active challenging. For many stroke survivors, physical activity is low after their formal rehabilitation finishes.
We have worked together with stroke survivors, carers and health professionals to design a physical activity “package” to empower stroke survivors to “get active” and “stay active.” This package contains resources to help stroke survivors make physical activity a part of their usual routine. It also has resources to help health professionals facilitate sustainable and engaging physical activity programs for stroke survivors.
Now we need to test this program to make sure it meets the needs of stroke survivors.
Who can participate in this research?
We are looking for participants who:
- Are over the age of 18 years,
- AND have had a stroke within the last 6 months,
- AND can walk with or without a gait aid.
What will you be asked to do?
Participate in two sessions with a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist at a place that suits you both (this can be your home). In your first session you will make your personalised physical activity plan. You are welcome to invite a family member, friend or carer to participate in these sessions. Together you will set goals and make a plan for what type of activity you will do, how, where and when you will do it and who you will do it with.
Your third session includes assessments of your mobility, mood, confidence to exercise and fatigue. Assessments will be completed again mid-way and at the end of the program.
You will then receive assistance to set-up your physical activity program and support for a 6-month period. This support can be provided in person, over the phone, via video-conference, email or text – whichever suits you best!
You will be provided a Fitbit device to monitor and help support your physical activity.
If you would like more detailed information please see this detailed information sheet.
Click on the video below for more information about physical activity after stroke.
Register your interest
To find out more or register your interest, please contact:
Dr Natalie Fini - Project Leader
0401 303 749 | natalie.fini@unimelb.edu.au | fit4me-stroketrial@unimelb.edu.au
Researchers
The team for this research project is:
- Dr Natalie Fini – Project Lead, Physiotherapist
- Professor Julie Bernhardt, Researcher Physiotherapist
- Associate Professor Cathy Said, Researcher, Physiotherapist
- Professor Leonid Churilov
- Dr. Kate Hayward
- Professor Gavin Williams
- Dr. Liam Johnson
- Ms Emily Ramage, PhD candidate; Physiotherapist
- Dr. Chris Tzefronis, General Practitioner, Consumer Representative; Stroke survivor
- Mr. Paul Fink, Consumer Representative; Stroke survivor
- Ms Erin Bicknell, Physiotherapist
- Professor Jill Francis, Researcher, Psychologist
- Professor Coralie English, Researcher, Physiotherapist
This research project has been reviewed and approved by the Royal Melbourne Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee 2022.133