Florida Hospital Chosen to Participate in Largest Funded Study

Published: 
February 20, 2006

Florida Hospital to Participate in Largest Federally Funded Rehabilitation Study to Date

Florida Hospital is one of only five clinical sites involved in this study

 

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 20, 2006 - Florida Hospital Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine was recently chosen by the National Institutes of Health to be part of the largest federally funded rehabilitation study to date. 

LEAPS (Locomotor Experience Applied Post-Stroke) will evaluate different treatments to improve the quality and speed of walking in patients during the 12 months after a stroke.  In addition to comparing physical therapy methods, investigators will assess the best time to begin physical therapy after a stroke.  Cutting-edge methodology will monitor the results.

"We are proud to be participating in this large study," said Dr. Michelle Dolske, clinical neuropsychologist at Florida Hospital. "Being one of only five clinical sites in the nation is truly an achievement and speaks to the quality of rehabilitation services we offer here at Florida Hospital."

Clinical sites for the $13.5 million LEAPS trial are located in Florida and California.  Results from the five-year study will be released in 2011. 

According to the American Stroke Association, approximately 700,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.  The association also estimates that in 2006 Americans will pay about $57.9 billion for stroke-related medical costs and disability.

For more information, contact Florida Hospital Media Relations at 407-303-8217.

 

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