What technology was used in Gillian Gordon's stroke rehabilitation trial?

The trial utilized games on a specialist iPad system and treadmill training to help retrain Gillian's brain for improved movement and gait.

What challenges did Gillian Gordon face after her stroke?

Gillian Gordon faced paralysis on her left side, had to relearn walking, and experienced permanent loss of use in her left arm and ongoing weakness in her left leg.

What does Gillian Gordon advocate for regarding stroke rehabilitation?

Gillian Gordon advocates for improved access to comprehensive community rehabilitation for all stroke survivors, emphasizing the need for support beyond hospital discharge.

Home / Health / Stroke Survivor Reclaims Life with Tech Rehab

Stroke Survivor Reclaims Life with Tech Rehab

30 Jan

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Summary

NHS worker relearned walking after a stroke at 36.
Innovative tech trial aided mobility and confidence.
Survivor advocates for better community rehabilitation access.

Stroke Survivor Reclaims Life with Tech Rehab

An NHS worker, Gillian Gordon, experienced a life-altering stroke at the age of 36, resulting in paralysis on her left side. After a 12-week hospital stay where she relearned basic walking, she faced significant challenges adjusting to the permanent loss of use in her left arm and ongoing weakness in her leg.

Gillian found the post-hospital support insufficient for her extensive rehabilitation needs. She participated in a stroke rehabilitation trial at Strathclyde University in 2022, which employed technology to retrain her brain. This included specialized iPad games for arm movement visualization and treadmill training for gait correction.

Her participation in the trial yielded immediate and significant progress, greatly enhancing her mobility, confidence, and long-term recovery. Now 46, Gillian has returned to work but continues to manage the stroke's lasting effects and strongly advocates for improved and comprehensive community rehabilitation services across Scotland.