Stroke and Neurological Rehabilitation Research Group (SYNERGY)

Stroke is the single most common cause of severe disability in the world.

Other common long term neurological conditions include multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). With an ageing population, the number of people living with these conditions is set to rise. Long term neurological conditions (LTNC) affect individuals and their families in terms of quality of life, mood and independence.

Rehabilitation after stroke and other LTNC can be complex; no two stroke survivors will have the same problems with activities of daily living, societal participation or bodily functions. Consequently, the design, development and conduct of trials to test new therapies can be challenging.

Living with stroke and other long term neurological conditions is a portfolio of research generated by Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) researchers together with the Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, a national unit funded by the Scottish Government’s Chief Scientist Office.

We have expertise in the development and implementation of complex interventions; national surveys, systematic reviews and the design and successful completion of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster randomised trials (CRT).

The focus of our research is primarily on living with stroke and other LTNC beyond the acute medical setting. It comprises an interdisciplinary portfolio of research work streams prioritised by health service users and providers. Our work focuses on the following topics: communication, continence, oral health, physical activity and rehabilitation, outcome assessment, non-pharmacological secondary stroke prevention and self-management. People affected by these conditions and their carers are centrally involved in our work plans and activities.