EUGENE–Researchers at the University of Oregon are beginning a study of a new treatment that may benefit some of the 400,000 Americans who survive strokes each year. The new treatment–called "forced use therapy"–requires the stroke sufferer to use the afflicted muscles rather than to compensate for their immobility.

"Our research will specifically explore techniques to help stroke sufferers who have limited use of their legs," says Marjorie Woollacott, head of the UO Department of Exercise and Movement Science.

Several recent studies have pointed a new direction in stroke treatment. These studies indicate that long duration physical therapy sessions can result in the stroke-afflicted brain re-organizing itself for improved performance. This approach is in contrast to traditional rehabilitation techniques that call for short duration physical therapy–often for periods of just an hour or two a day.

"Our sessions will last six hours per day, five days a week for two weeks," says Woollacott.

The therapy sessions will be a combination of stretching, endurance and flexibility training, balance activities and other exercises.

"We believe these sessions will allow most participating stroke sufferers to improve their balance and their ability to walk," says physical therapist Laura Adomaitis who will be directing the research study in collaboration with Woollacott.

Stroke sufferers with weakness on one side of the body (otherwise medically stable) who are interested in more information about participating in the upcoming research study should contact Laura Adomaitis or Marjorie Woollacott at the Motor Control Laboratory of the University of Oregon at (541) 346-0275.

Stroke is America’s third leading killer and the primary cause of adult disability. Every year, 550,000 Americans suffer strokes, killing 150,000 people and leaving 400,000 additional persons with varying degrees of physical disability. Most commonly, stroke results in weakness on one side of the body.

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