The Canadian Stroke Congress brought together more than 700 scientists and clinicians to share scientific progress, best practices, new approaches and to network with a strong, vibrant and growing research community. The meeting, organized by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Stroke Consortium in partnership with CPSR, ran from Sept. 15-17 in Quebec City.
The day before the Congress got underway, the CPSR's annual scientific meeting and Advances in Stroke Recovery meeting took place on Sept. 14.
CPSR's Advances in Stroke Recovery drew a capacity crowd of 200 participants to listen to an animated discussion on the lessons learned from the AVERT Trial on the timing and intensity of post-stroke rehabilitation. Advances in Stroke Recovery involved moderators Dr. Carol Richards and Dr. Dale Corbett and panellists Drs. Gert Kwakkel, Janice Eng, Andrew Demchuk and Tom Carmichael. The event was videotaped and will be posted on the CPSR's website.
Next year's Congress takes place in Calgary.
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Hotchkiss Brain Institute at the University of Calgary
joins HSF Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery
QUEBEC, Sept. 14 _ The Hotchkiss Brain Institute at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine has joined seven of the top stroke recovery research centres in Canada to identify innovative therapies with promise to repair stroke-injured brains, research leaders announced at the Canadian Stroke Congress.
The HBI is investing $1.2 million over three years into equipment and research salaries to support stroke recovery research as part of the Heart and Stroke Foundation Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery. The Partnership pulls together leading research groups from University of British Columbia, Sunnybrook Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Baycrest, and Memorial University of Newfoundland into a powerhouse network focused on recovery from stroke.
There are more than 405,000 Canadians living with long-term stroke disability, a number that is expected to almost double over the next two decades as the population ages and stroke risk factors increase in all age groups.
“Calgary researchers, including HBI member Dr. Sean Dukelow and Dr. Adam Kirton, bring unique expertise in robotics, pediatric stroke and clinical trials,” said Dr. Dale Corbett, Scientific Director and CEO of the Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery. “By joining the Partnership, UCalgary will contribute greatly to our collaborative national effort to develop game-changing therapies to improve the lives of people living with stroke.”
“As a Calgarian, I am proud of the world-class stroke program at the University of Calgary,” stated Rod McKay, Chair, Heart and Stroke Foundation. “Calgary’s involvement in the Partnership will further strengthen stroke-recovery research efforts and build on the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s work to create survivors of stroke and heart disease.”
In the coming year, the Partnership plans to launch a trial that will test an anti-depressant drug in combination with rehabilitation therapy to reboot recovery in chronic stroke patients who have seen their progress stall. Proof-of-principle stem cell studies in animal models are also underway to help inform the first Canadian clinical trial using stem cells for stroke recovery in the next few years.
As well, Partnership researchers are conducting targeted research in robotics, optogenetics (a form of stimulation that uses a light fibre to try to activate or deactivate circuits involved in post-stroke depression and motor impairment), electrical stimulation, virtual reality, and tele-rehabilitation.
“The HSF Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery represents a group of researchers and clinicians from across the country who have come together to help to solve the problems faced by stroke survivors,” says Dr. Dukelow, who leads the Calgary team.
“There’s no question that collaboration between basic and clinical scientists has the ability to tremendously advance the field. Coordination and partnership across several sites for clinical trials creates the ability for the type of multi-site trials that are necessary for research progress.”
HSF invests $2 million a year in the Partnership, while partner institutions contribute $3.5 million annually.
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2015-2016 Annual Report: Why we believe in CPSR
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Our 2016 Annual Report describes the achievements and the promise of the Partnership through the voices of our Board Chair, leadership team, researchers, partners, trainees and stroke survivors. Their words describe the reasons they believe in the Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery. And, why you should, too!
This year, we highlight the national and international expansion of the Partnership, our research progress in new and promising directions, the development of our clinical trials infrastructure, our acclaimed training program, and outreach efforts that involve individuals and families living with stroke.
Read the Annual Report HERE.
Read our audited financial statements 2016-03-31 HSFCSR wFS.
Hard copies of the annual report may also be ordered by emailing cathy@canadianstroke.ca.
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CaSTOR Collaborative Networking Grant Opportunity
The Canadian Stroke Trials for Optimized Results (CaSTOR) is pleased to announce an open funding competition to encourage collaboration and help bring groups of stroke researchers together to develop a stroke clinical trial. One of CaSTOR's aims is to strengthen the quality and capacity of stroke clinical trial research in Canada. This CaSTOR funding opportunity will help achieve this aim by facilitating collaborations between stroke researchers in the areas of stroke prevention, treatment and recovery.
Application & Guidelines: 2016 CaSTOR Collaborative Networking Grant (click to download).
Application Guideline Addendum: You can include up to 2 additional pages total for figures or tables, and 1 additional page for references.
Funding Available: Up to $35,000 per grant
Deadline to apply: Oct 15, 2016 (5pm EDT)
CIHR FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
IN ADDITION, there is a CIHR SPOR Innovative Clinical Trials funding opportunity that may be of interest. The specific objective of this funding opportunity is to mobilize research communities to explore methodologies to advance research in innovative clinical trials research.
Deadline to apply is September 27, 2016 with grants up to $100,000. More info on this funding opportunity can be found on the CIHR website or by clicking here.
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Learn more about CaSTOR
The CPSR is working with the Canadian Stroke Consortium to build capacity for stroke clinical trials in Canada. Learn more about the efforts of CaSTOR (Canadian Stroke Trials for Optimized Results) by reading CaSTOR's September newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cagPpT
And, then, get involved!
The newsletter includes information about the first meeting of the newly created Clinical Trial Coordinators network, which was held at the Canadian Stroke Congress, the CPSR training program, the CSC’s Knowledge Break, videos on the stem cells and stroke recovery, and more.
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CPSR Trainees Beraki Abraha and Liam Kelly, who work in Dr. Michelle Ploughman's research lab at Memorial, are pictured above as they demonstrate research involving TMS.
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SPiN heads to Vancouver
CPSR's popular Stroke Program in Neurorecovery (SPiN) will be held in Vancouver from Oct. 23-25. Again this year, interest in the three-day workshop was high and, due to overwhelming demand, registration is over-capacity. We will not be accepting further applications.
The theme of this year’s SPiN workshop is Biomarkers and Novel Rehabilitation Technologies in Stroke Recovery Research. There are engaging multi-day events full of activities, specifically designed for trainees! There will be a keynote presentation, multiple hands-on lab demonstrations and interactive presentations, dedicated time with scientists and stroke survivors, and plenty of time for networking!
Trainees will interact with researchers from the University of British Columbia (Drs. Lara Boyd, Janice Eng, Teresa Liu-Ambrose, Timothy Murphy), University of Victoria (Drs. Craig Brown, Leigh-Anne Swayne, Paul E. Zehr), and the University of Calgary (Dr. Sean Dukelow).
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In our continuing series of profiles of CPSR's trainees, this month we meet Sudhir Karthikeyan of the University of Ottawa and University of Toronto's Arunima Kapoor.
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Sudhir Karthikeyan
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from?
A: I was born in Chennai, India and moved to Burlington, Ontario with my family when I was 10 years old. I did my undergraduate studies at McMaster University (B.Sc., Psychology) and am currently completing my Master’s degree in Neuroscience under the supervision of Dr. Dale Corbett at the University of Ottawa.
Q: What compelled you to pursue stroke research?
A: During the final year of my undergraduate program I had the opportunity to complete a year-long clinical practicum at a rehabilitation services center for individuals living with the effects of acquired brain injuries. While working here, I was made aware of the staggering statistics of stroke in Canada and saw first-hand the many unmet needs while talking and meeting with stroke survivors. This experience motivated me to pursue and be actively involved in stroke recovery research and contribute towards improving the quality of life of stroke survivors.
Q: What is the focus of your research?
A: My project focuses on characterizing spontaneous recovery of motor function following stroke. Using a preclinical model of ischemic stroke, I am investigating how the location of lesion (cortical or subcortical) affects the recovery profile of motor function.
Q: At what stage are you in your research, and what are your current future plans?
A: I am a few months away from completing my Master’s program and am currently in the data analysis stage of my research. Following graduation, I plan on continuing my education with the hopes of pursuing a future career as a clinician-scientist.
Q: How do you and others benefit from being part of the National Trainee Association?
A: I have attended the SPiN workshop organized by the National Trainee Association and found it to be very valuable for my training. As a basic science researcher, it was an interesting experience for me to see the clinical and rehab side of stroke recovery research. I feel that the NTA does a great job of encouraging a collaborative approach to research right from the start of our training. Through the NTA, I have had the opportunity to meet and build connections with other junior researchers working in the stroke field across Canada. I am really looking forward to attending SPiN in Vancouver next month!
Q: What other interests do you have?
A: Outside the lab, I enjoy playing music, photography and playing video games.
Arunima Kapoor
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from?
A: I was born in New Delhi, India, and grew up in Dubai, UAE and Vancouver. I moved to Toronto to complete my undergraduate degree in mental health studies at the University of Toronto and I recently completed my Master’s degree in neuroscience at the Institute of Medical Science also at University of Toronto.
Q: What compelled you to pursue stroke research?
A: My interest in stroke research has been shaped primarily by my course work in university. My undergraduate program offered unique courses that exposed me to brain science research; I have been captivated by it ever since. In fact, I met my supervisor, Dr. Richard Swartz, when he was a guest lecturer in one of my undergraduate classes!
Q: What is the focus of your research?
A: My Master’s thesis focused on examining long-term functioning in multiple domains after stroke and specifically exploring the impact of depressive symptoms, obstructive sleep apnea and cognitive impairment on functional outcome.
Q: At what stage are you in your research, and what are your current future plans?
A: I just defended my thesis and completed my MSc! I hope to become a clinician-scientist one day and to contribute to stroke research throughout my academic career.
Q: How do you and others benefit from being part of the National Trainee Association?
A: Being a part of the National Trainee Association has been a great experience. Over the past 2 years, the trainee association has provided me with numerous opportunities, such as the SPiN workshop, to meet new people with similar interests. The mentorship program has been especially helpful. I’m so grateful to have been paired with an amazing mentor, Lisa Engel, who provided me with invaluable advice and guidance. I’m certain that we will keep in touch for years to come.
Q: What other interests do you have?
A: In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love reading and running, and I recently started learning how to play the piano.
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Join a live webinar to learn more about SPARK funding!
The Canadian Centre for Aging & Brain Health Innovation (CC-ABHI) is holding a live webinar on Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 12-1 pm EDT to learn more about how to submit a successful proposal for funding from CC-ABHI.
| The CC-ABHI Spark Program will provide up to $50,000 in funding per successful proposal to support those point-of-care workers within the healthcare space who would like to further develop their grassroots concept or idea in the field of aging and brain health into a real-world application. In 2017, up to 10 projects that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be funded. |
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Expressions of interest are due by Monday, Oct. 3 at 5 pm.
The webinar will provide participants with the information needed to submit a successful proposal to the Spark Program. Topics will include:
- Defining innovation in simple terms
- Indicating the kinds of ideas that would qualify for funding
- Keys to a successful proposal
- How to submit a proposal through our online portals
- Funding allocation and responsibility for reporting
- Expected outcomes for the project
- Information about other funding programs available through CC-ABHI
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CPSR Publications
Baniña MC, Mullick AA, McFadyen BJ, Levin MF. Upper Limb Obstacle Avoidance Behavior in Individuals With Stroke. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2016 Aug 19. [Epub ahead of print]
Lake EM, Bazzigaluppi P, Stefanovic B. Functional magnetic resonance imaging in chronic ischaemic stroke. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2016 Oct 5;371(1705). Review.
Leung AW, Barrett LM, Butterworth D, Werther K, Dawson DR, Brintnell ES. Neural Plastic Effects of Working Memory Training Influenced by Self-perceived Stress in Stroke: A Case Illustration. Front Psychol. 2016 Aug 30;7:1266. eCollection 2016.
METACOHORTS Consortium. Dichgans M, Wardlaw J, Smith E, et al.; VISTA Collaboration, Diener HC, Davis S, Hankey G, et al. METACOHORTS for the study of vascular disease and its contribution to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration: An initiative of the Joint Programme for Neurodegenerative Disease Research. Alzheimers Dement. 2016 Aug 1. [Epub ahead of print]
Prout EC, Mansfield A, McIlroy WE, Brooks D. Physiotherapists' perspectives on aerobic exercise early after stroke: A preliminary study. Physiother Theory Pract. 2016 Jul 26:1-9. [Epub ahead of print]
Zerna C, Kamal N, Lindsay MP, Fang J, Hill MD. The Impact of Transferring Stroke Patients: An Analysis of National Administrative Data. Can J Neurol Sci. 2016 Sep 13:1-5. [Epub ahead of print]
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