The UBC Okanagan Stroke Research Lab recently held an open house during H20 Kelowna’s monthly Mix and Mingle event. Individuals were invited to ask questions, learn about advancements in research, gain information for participating in clinical trials, and obtain resources for after-stroke supports.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support!
The main goal of the TRAIL-RCT study is to determine if telerehabilitation is an effective option to support stroke survivors as they transition from rehabilitation to living in the community. The results of our study will generate new knowledge that can improve clinical practice and lead to further research to better support stroke survivors through telerehabilitation.
If you are interested in participating in this study and want to find out more about your eligibility, please send the study coordinator, Elise Wiley, an email at elise.wiley@ubc.ca to further discuss the study!
Now available in Vernon is The Fitness and Mobility Group Exercise (FAME) program is designed for individuals living with stroke to enhance walking, balance, and strength! The FAME program is suitable for community members who are able to:
Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM, running April 22 – May 29, 2025, in the Creekside Conference Centre (Sunset Room). Registration can be done in person at the Vernon Recreation Centre or online at vernon.ca/parks-recreation!
For more information, please visit www.fameexercise.com or email Fame.Exercise@ubc.ca
Congratulations to our research manager Dr. Jill Williamson, on recently being awarded the CanStroke Recovery Trials ‘Excellence in Clinical Trials Research’ Award! Thank you for all of your amazing work and support Jill!
Three UBC Okanagan faculty members have been recognized for their outstanding research commitment and achievements through the university’s annual Researcher of the Year awards. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the prestigious awards, which recognize faculty members making the world a better place through scholarly and creative pursuits. Award recipients epitomize excellence and are leaders in their respective fields and disciplines.
UBC Okanagan proudly recognizes Dr. Brodie Sakakibara as one of three 2025 Researchers of the Year, celebrating exceptional contributions to research, innovation and creative activity.
Dr. Sakakibara is dedicated to empowering stroke survivors after discharge from hospital and giving them the support they need to help reduce further hospital visits and advocates for viewing stroke as a chronic condition, not just a single acute event. “Very few researchers and labs in the world are taking the approach of stroke as a chronic condition,” says Dr. Sakakibara. “It’s empowerment. It’s putting people back in control, letting them manage on their own and making them a key partner in their care for much better long-term outcomes.”
Read more about how UBCO celebrates extraordinary faculty members as Researchers of the Year.
As Kelowna’s homepage for news, CASTANET reaches many individuals within the Okanagan. Read their story “Kelowna woman launches lawn bowling event to heighten awareness about women’s heart health” to learn more about the event and our patient partner, Jennifer Monaghan!
Lab members Dr. Brodie Sakakibara, Dr. Elise Wiley, and Michelle Yang recently attended the 2025 World Physiotherapy Congress in Tokyo, Japan!
Listen to Dr. Sakakibara’s recent CBC radio interview talking about our upcoming ‘Understanding Stroke Research in the Okanagan‘ event in Vernon, BC!
At the ORL branch Vernon Library, panelists dicussed the latest in stroke research advancements, clinical trials, resources and supports!
