The University of Strathclyde and Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) have renewed their partnership to transform stroke rehabilitation through cutting-edge technology and innovation.
The Sir Jules Thorn Co-Creation Centre for Rehabilitation Technology, which has already helped over 120 stroke survivors, uses AI-driven games, adaptive treadmills, and other rehabilitation technology to support recovery. The extended partnership ensures continued research and development, helping stroke survivors regain mobility and independence.
The Centre has been supported by CHSS since 2022, with funding for two research assistants, who design and supervise the pioneering rehabilitation programme and manage the day-to-day operation of the centre.
Rehabilitation outcomes
Under the leadership of Dr Andrew Kerr, staff and research students harness technology to improve rehabilitation outcomes for stroke survivors, such as a treadmill with a harness to support those with balance or mobility issues, and AI games with adapted controllers that help to recover dexterity.
The Strathclyde centre empowers users to take a self-managed approach to rehabilitation, a method shown to deliver better recovery outcomes. Participants have demonstrated improvements across various measures of function and quality of life, beyond physical mobility.
Dr Kerr’s team are also working with CHSS and the NHS on establishing the technology-based exercise programme in community settings, such as gyms and leisure centres.
The new agreement cements partnership activities for a further three years and is part of Strathclyde’s Social Innovation Cluster.
Professor Tim Bedford, Strathclyde Associate Principal, who signed the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the University, said:
“We are delighted to extend our very successful partnership with Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland, which has supported research work to ensure that stroke survivors receive the ongoing support they need.”
Mutual commitment
Paul Okroj, the Director of External Engagement and Service Development at CHSS, said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with the University of Strathclyde, reinforcing our mutual commitment to revolutionise stroke rehabilitation and Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s mission to ensure the right to rehabilitation for everyone across Scotland.
“This continued collaboration will further empower us to merge cutting-edge technology with expert care, improving recovery and ensuring there is no life half lived for stroke survivors across the community.”
Stroke is one of Scotland’s biggest killers and a leading cause of severe disability. Two thirds of stroke survivors will leave hospital with a disability and a third will have to give up work as a result of their stroke.