A big congratulations to Dorian Rose, PT, PhD, research associate professor, and Barbara Smith, PT, PhD, assistant professor, in the Department of Physical Therapy, who have received funding from the Florida Department of Health to implement their study, “Augmenting a Post-Stroke Wellness Program with Respiratory Muscle Training: A Randomized Controlled Trial.”
Respiratory muscle training is currently not routinely provided in post-stroke care. Although evidence exists that these patients post-stroke experience respiratory muscle compromise, physical rehabilitation has historically focused on arm and leg impairments and subsequent mobility limitations. Respiratory muscle training (RMT) increases respiratory strength post-stroke, however, it is not known if RMT translates into improved long-term functional mobility and life participation. The central hypothesis of this study is that a combined Stroke Wellness Program with RMT improves physiologic, activity and societal participation outcomes in chronic stroke survivors.
Dr. Rose is a Brooks-PHHP Collaboration Scientist and will lead this study within the context of the Brooks Rehabilitation Stroke Wellness Program, Jacksonville, Florida.