STUDY TOPIC:
EVALUATION OF A NOVEL EXERCISE TECHNIQUE FOR THE TREATMENT OF POST-STROKE SHOULDER PAIN
A research study aimed at improving the treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain is currently being conducted at the University of Toronto, the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, and the Connect Learning Centre. The goal of the study is to determine whether there are additional benefits to using a specific experimental technique along with current standard treatment for post stroke shoulder pain. One group of participants (the control group) will be provided with current standard treatment for post-stroke shoulder pain. A second group of participants will be provided with current standard treatment PLUS an additional exercise technique to treat post-stroke shoulder pain. This study is being funded by the Ontario Stroke Network.
To participate in this study, you should meet the following criteria:
a) Currently experiencing post-stroke shoulder pain.
b) Shoulder pain should not be due to any type of injury or condition which was present before the onset of the stroke (i.e., previous broken bones, a previous diagnosis of arthritis, previous muscle injuries, etc.). Shoulder pain should also not be due to any type of previous shoulder trauma (i.e., shoulder pain resulting from a fall).
c) Participants should not be receiving any other type of intervention to treat their stroke or shoulder pain while simultaneously participating in this study
d) All participants should be able to participate in 3 separate assessment sessions at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (approximately 1 hour each session), AND in an active rehabilitation program at either the University of Toronto (downtown Toronto) or the Connect Learning Centre (Mississauga) (1 hour sessions, 3 times a week for four weeks).
** to be able to fully participate, you should also be able to perform the following general movements using the arm and hand affected by the stroke:
a) touch the chin; touch the opposite knee with the elbow straight;
b) shrug both shoulders;
c) raise the arm away from the body;
d) turn the palm of the hand up towards the ceiling and down towards the floor
If you would like more information regarding this study or are interested in participating, please contact:
Liza M. Pain, O.T. Reg. (Ont.)
(905) 813-1100 x 5426 OR (416) 553-7110
liza.pain@utoronto.ca