Media Release
Alliance Rehabilitation Joins Groundbreaking Stroke Rehabilitation Trial in Townsville
Townsville, Australia – Alliance Rehabilitation is proud to announce its partnership with Townsville University Hospital (TUH) and James Cook University (JCU) in a national stroke rehabilitation trial, marking a significant milestone in stroke research and treatment. This groundbreaking trial, known as the Upper limb and Language Impairment and Functional Training (UPLIFT) trial, is the first of its kind in the world and aims to revolutionize the restoration of communication and hand and arm function in stroke survivors.
Stroke is a leading cause of disability in Australia, with a substantial economic impact. A Deloitte Access Economics study commissioned by the Stroke Foundation revealed that in 2020, stroke cost the nation $6.2 billion in direct financial expenses and an additional $26.0 billion in lost wellbeing and premature mortality. With the number of stroke survivors increasing, the focus must be on maximizing their recovery and improving their quality of life through effective rehabilitation.
As the only regional centre in Australia participating in this $993,000 study, Townsville has secured a place at the forefront of stroke rehabilitation research. The UPLIFT trial will recruit participants from Townsville and Cairns, aiming to include a total of 160 stroke survivors nationwide. The Medical Research Future Fund has provided funding for this ambitious project.
Dr. Moira Smith, the Townsville coordinator of the trial and Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy at JCU, expressed the significance of regional participation, stating, “Our involvement will give a voice to regional and rural areas in terms of research and addressing the specific needs of our communities.”
Access to stroke rehabilitation can be challenging in rural and regional areas. The UPLIFT trial, which commenced in April 2023, will test a new rehabilitation model combining in-clinic and telehealth at-home delivery. JCU, with its expertise in telehealth for cancer care and diabetes management, leads this innovative approach.
To ensure the success of the trial, JCU is currently seeking participants through hospital and stroke rehabilitation services, as well as on popular social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
The UPLIFT project recognizes the long-term challenges faced by stroke survivors in arm movement and communication. These difficulties affect daily activities such as dressing, eating, and interacting with others. By integrating communication therapy with targeted arm and hand therapy through high-intensity training regimes, UPLIFT aims to achieve superior outcomes compared to standard approaches.
The trial will randomly assign participants to either two or four hours of training per day, five days a week, for four weeks, under the guidance of a team of dedicated physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists. Mild to moderate disability participants may receive tele-rehabilitation training at home, while those with more severe impairment will attend the Alliance Rehabilitation clinic in Townsville.
The UPLIFT trial is open to Townsville and Cairns residents who have recently experienced their first stroke within the past three to 24 months and are currently facing challenges with arm movement and communication. Participants offered in-clinic training in Cairns must be able to relocate to Townsville for the duration of the trial.
“This post-acute period is crucial for recovery, as it presents the greatest potential for improvement and a higher tolerance for intensive training,” said Associate Professor Ruth Barker, the Principal Investigator for UPLIFT at JCU.
All participants will undergo a comprehensive baseline assessment at AITHM, JCU, and TUH before beginning the trial, to evaluate their current upper limb and communication skills. Another assessment will take place at the conclusion of the four-week training period. These assessments will be conducted in a “blinded” manner, ensuring impartiality.
Dr. Smith acknowledged the initial assessment might be challenging for participants but emphasized its importance. “It highlights the difficulties they face but also showcases their abilities. It provides a starting point for their rehabilitation journey and establishes goals that therapists can work towards with them,” she explained.
In collaboration with the University of Melbourne, where trial initiator and Coordinating Principal Investigator Associate Professor Kate Hayward is based, JCU has provided pre-trial training to all participating therapists, ensuring standardized delivery of training and other trial components throughout Australia.
Alliance Rehabilitation’s CEO, Andrea van Grinsven, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to this groundbreaking trial in their local community. “We consider it a privilege to be part of this initiative right here on our doorstep. This presents an exciting opportunity for both our clinicians and local participants,” she said.
Associate Professor Dr. Ruth Barker echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the significance of regional involvement. “As a regional site, we would love to see the trial results guide service development and planning to ensure that regional Australians have access to exceptional, evidence-based stroke rehabilitation care.”
Participation in clinical trials is known to improve outcomes, and the Alliance Rehabilitation team is committed to ensuring that stroke survivors in the Townsville region have the opportunity to take part in this national trial.
For more information about the UPLIFT trial and how to participate, please visit:
- https://www.stroke-repair.com/uplift-trial
- https://www.aithm.jcu.edu.au/townsville-joins-world-first-stroke-rehabilitation-trial/
About Alliance Rehabilitation:
Alliance Rehabilitation is a leading provider of allied health services in the Townsville region including rehabilitation & disability. With a team of highly skilled clinicians, they are dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals recovering from injury or illness through personalized, goal-driven and evidence-based care.
Media Contact:
Luke Smart
Brand Manager
Alliance Rehabilitation
Phone: 07 4772 1219
Email: events@alliancerehab.com.au