Stroke survivors can get a leg up on their fitness thanks to a new program coming to town.
The University of British Columbia and the City of Vernon have partnered to launch a new community exercise program to fill a much-needed gap for people living with stroke at the Vernon Recreation Centre, starting April 22.
The FAME (Fitness and Mobility Exercise) Program offers a structured group exercise that has been shown with research evidence to improve mobility, balance, memory and thinking, endurance, and reduce falls in stroke survivors.
One in five people will have a stroke in their lifetime. The program can accommodate individuals with physical changes after having a stroke, such as one-sided leg weakness, who are at higher risk of falling and developing health complications after stroke.
The FAME program was initially developed by Dr. Janice Eng鈥檚 research team at the University of British Columbia, Department of Physical Therapy.
FAME was created to address the urgent need for safe and effective exercise programs tailored to stroke survivors. For more information about FAME, visit https://fameexercise.com.
鈥淎fter my stroke, I felt lost upon discharge from the hospital. I could use my impacted side, but not as strongly or as coordinated as before,鈥� says Jennifer Monaghan, who is from 麻豆精选 and had a stroke in 2012. 鈥淎 program like FAME would have helped me regain my balance and use of my muscles, plus offer me the chance to meet others who had also suffered a stroke. FAME also would have helped with cognitive problems.鈥�
Now available in Vernon, FAME provides a valuable opportunity for local residents who could benefit from specialized exercise support.
To register, visit the Vernon Recreation Centre (in-person or online). The program runs Tuesdays and Thursdays until May 29.
