Participants wanted for new post-stroke program in Montreal
McGill and MUHC research program to enrich lives of Montreal stroke survivors
A new community-based program for people who have suffered strokes is being established in Montreal by McGill University and the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC).
Mission Possible will be based at the Griffith McConnell retirement residence in Cote St. Luc and will begin operations in early September. It is being organized by a group of researchers studying the value of providing goal-directed activity for stroke survivors who live in the community.
“We are looking for individuals who have had a stroke in the last five years, are living in the community and have finished active rehabilitation,” said Dr. Nancy Mayo of McGill's Faculty of Medicine, the MUHC’s Division of Clinical Epidemiology and director of Mission Possible. “Participants should be able to walk on their own without walking aids, be able to understand verbal instructions and not currently be participating in more than three activities outside the home.”
Program participants will be assigned to one of two different groups and will be asked to complete a number of simple tests and questionnaires. They will be able to take advantage of a specialized exercise program geared to stroke survivors, and will be invited to attend twice-weekly group meetings which will feature skill development and active learning targeted towards enhancing leisure activities including art, music, games, computers and conversation. Group leaders will be available to provide assistance to participants throughout the course of the study. Participation is entirely voluntary, and participants can withdraw from the study at any time. The program will be run in English, but participants from all walks of life are encouraged to join.
Dr. Nancy Mayo of the MUHC is directing the Mission Possible research program in Montreal and at five other sister-programs being established across Canada. It is being funded by the Canadian Stroke Network and supported by the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Quebec.