E-learning+ Rehab Therapy

A Novel Therapy + E-learning Self-management Program for Stroke Survivors

Stroke survivors with arm paresis because of stroke use their "good" arm for daily activities, but in doing so may be self-limiting their own recovery of the "bad" arm. Traditional models of stroke rehabilitation fail to fully engage the survivor and care partner(s) in actively planning post-discharge habits that improve their capacity to live well over their entire lives. This study will test a cutting-edge in-person therapy + online training program designed to progressively transfer the responsibility of driving post-stroke recovery from the therapist to the survivor.

Inclusion Criteria:

• paresis of one arm/hand because of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke >2 mo. and <3 yrs prior
• moderate arm impairment defined as a baseline Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity score of at least 32±2 points but no more than 47±2 points (out of 60 points)
• Montreal Cognitive Assessment score ≥22
• ability to read English
• ability to communicate as per the therapists' judgement at baseline testing
• 21-90 years of age
• wi-fi connection in the home and either a computer, smartphone or tablet.

Exclusion criteria:

• lesion or injury to brainstem or cerebellum
• other neurological disease that may impair motor or learning skills (e.g., Parkinson's Disease);
• pain interfering with reaching
• uncorrected vision making it difficult to read information on a computer, tablet or phone.