Exciting class aims to improve arm and hand movement for people affected by stroke.

The Stroke Association’s Rebuilding Lives Fund has supported the trial of a new class, focusing on stroke-related upper limb rehabilitation. The application was made in partnership with Physiotherapist Anna Bichard, who is delivering the classes.

During the weekly online “Getting to Grips” classes, stroke survivors learn what they can do for themselves to rehabilitate their own arm & hand; through a series of movements, stretches, sensory exercises & training tasks. Anna’s tailored approach enables participants to gain benefit, whatever their current ability.

Anna says:

“Many stroke survivors across Scotland feel isolated, abandoned and unsure of what they can do to help their own rehabilitation after therapy input ends – this is especially prevalent during the pandemic, where normal therapy support has been limited in many areas, and many clubs & support groups have stopped meeting.

Online classes come with their own challenges and are not suitable for everyone, but it has enabled us to reach out to stroke survivors in the absence of face-to-face support.

“This class aims to give participants a rehabilitation framework to help them learn what they can do for themselves to continue their rehabilitation. The online classes have finished and participants are now putting what they have learned into practice during a 6 week self-rehabilitation period. Afterwards, the results and feedback from participants will be key to helping us design future classes to best meet the needs of stroke survivors in Scotland.”

June one of the participants who had her stroke in 2019 said:

“My stroke affected my right side and as I am right handed it made daily tasks very difficult. I am enjoying my zoom classes with Anna, I can’t do all of the exercises but the ones I can do, I find are helping and Anna is modifying the ones I find quite difficult, so with practice I can manage them.

“I would like to thank Anna and the Stroke Association for giving me hope that things can improve with practice and patience.”

Gaby Beattie, Engagement Officer in the North East of Scotland for the Stroke Association said:

“We are delighted to have funding to carry out a class of this nature. Stroke survivors have told us how devastating losing movement in their hand and arm is. We know hand and arm movement can benefit from exercise even several years post-stroke. This is why this type of class is so important in supporting people to rebuild their lives after stroke. The information we gain from the class will inform stroke improvements and services in the community.”

For further information and to register interest for future classes, please contact: gaby.beattie@stroke.org.uk