Ground-breaking, innovative stroke research has been given a kick-start as part of the Stroke Foundation’s annual grants program.

Stroke Foundation will provide more than $205,000 to eight Australian researchers, underpinning new research projects and supporting future leaders in stroke.

Professor Amanda Thrift, Chair of the Stroke Foundation’s Research Advisory Committee said the grant recipients had the potential to influence important change in stroke practice, policy and knowledge.

“Evidence-based research is critical to helping health professionals and governments better understand stroke, and improve its care and treatment,” Professor Thrift said.

“Projects awarded focus on improving the delivery of high quality stroke care, transitioning patients from the acute setting into the community, and management of fatigue.

“Excitingly many of the funded projects are also aimed at determining how new and emerging technology can help patients with stroke, giving us great hope for the future care of stroke in this country.”

Projects funded included expanding the use of a smartphone app to improve communication between ambulance and hospital staff, and research into sexuality after stroke.

Other funded projects include using telehealth to deliver memory rehabilitation for stroke survivors and a study into how much exercise is needed to improve fitness in stroke survivors.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said high quality research was vital to improving outcomes for Australian stroke patients.

“The Stroke Foundation is proud to support the delivery of new research into how stroke is treated and managed in Australia,” Ms McGowan said.

“Stroke Foundation research program supports health professionals and academics to investigate innovative ways of preventing stroke, improving its treatment and supporting stroke survivors in the community.

“More than 11,000 lives are lost to stroke every year and many more people are left with lifelong disability. It is crucial that we continually look at how we can prevent, treat and beat this terrible disease.”

More information about the Stroke Foundation’s Research Grants is available at https://www.strokefoundation.com.au/what-we-do/research/research-grants