Regenerate: a strength training program to enhance the physical and mental health of chronic post stroke patients with depression

Investigators : J Sims, M Galea, K Dodd, N Taylor, L Joubert, J Joubert, V Jolley, R Brett

Stroke rehabilitation tends to focus on the early phase of care. There is a need to maintain improvements over time. Sometimes continuity of care is lost post discharge from hospital or ambulatory care programs. Further, attention to tertiary prevention may not be optimal: for holistic care ongoing health promotion is necessary. There is scope for greater linkages between the health and leisure sectors in this regard. The Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Eastern Recreation & Leisure Services and Boroondara Stroke Support Group established the ‘Regenerate’ program to allow for seamless care, providing tailored exercise in a post-rehabilitation program. The program has enabled many participants to progress to mainstream exercise programs, such as Living Longer Living Stronger™, in the leisure sector. The above Randomised Control Trial (RCT) will evaluate the health benefits of this collaborative care pathway for post stroke depression patients.

The RCT will ask and answer the research question ‘Does a 10 week, community-based progressive resistance training (PRT) program reduce post stroke depression in chronic stroke patients?’ The trial’s aim is to test whether a PRT program for post stroke depression will result in a reduction in depressive symptoms; improved mental health; improved physical and social function and improved quality of life. The goal is to improve health and functionality to enable patients to access mainstream exercise programs.

• Detailed Summary of Project Information (PDF)
• Information for willing participants
• Back to Stroke and Mental Health Index