Today at the Launceston General Hospital I was delighted to officially open a new study project working to assist stroke survivors to gain a better recovery. The project is funded by the National Stroke Foundation and is being delivered through a collaboration between staff in the Faculty of Health at the University of Tasmania, and allied health, nursing and medical staff at the LGH.
The team working on the study are hoping to recruit 70 stroke survivors to investigate whether interactive digital technology can be used to improve the volume of activity that stroke survivors can undertake, and to determine if there are benefits to upper limb function or mobility using this technology.
The interactive technology being used in the study is yet to be used anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. The treatment consists of an innovative range of activities and games that the participant undertakes.
The system can be configured to meet specific client needs and the patient can undertake the therapy with remote monitoring by their therapist.
Because of the ability for remote monitoring by the therapist, this technology has enormous potential for rural and remote clients, giving them a better opportunity for the best possible recovery.
I congratulate the project team from the University of Tasmania, as well as the staff from the LGH who are helping current and future stroke patients through the study.
