Every year about 50,000 Canadians will have a stroke, which is the number one cause of neurological disability leading to impaired balance and mobility. Those affected face a seven-fold increase in hip fractures because of falls due to poor balance. Unfortunately, there are very few community-based programs to help individuals with stroke improve or maintain mobility and balance, and a lack of research assessing the effectiveness of such programs.
Dr. Janice Eng is investigating the effectiveness of a 12-week exercise program for improving balance and mobility in two groups of people with stroke: a group participating in an intensive exercise program, and another group doing arm exercises. Results of her research could assist in developing guidelines for community-based exercise programs to improve the health of people with stroke, and to reduce hospital admissions due to falls.
Completed award term, June 2008
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Research Area
Clinical
University/Institution
University of British Columbia
Research Location
Faculty/Department
Medicine / School of Rehabilitation Sciences