Myerscough’s Sport Research features at the 2018 UK Stroke Forum Conference

The UK 3 day multidisciplinary conference brings together over 110 expert speakers and researchers, all committed to improving stroke care.

Myerscough’s project was led by staff and students, and in collaboration with the University of Central Lancashire, The Stroke Association, and England Golf.

Results from the study show an improvement in both physical and mental health and well-being amongst stroke survivors following participation in an eight week ‘get-into-golf’ initiative, delivered by England Golf.

Participants commented that they felt less fatigued, were able to think more clearly, and found it easier to undertake generally everyday living activities following the initiative.

Dr John Fry, Research Lead for Sport, said: “These results have important implications given the increasing prevalence of stroke in wider society, which is experienced by around a quarter of all people after the age of 45.

“Traditional methods of rehabilitation post-stroke have taken place in clinical environments such as hospitals, however, our research suggests taking part in physical activities such as golf can be better placed to aid both physical and mental rehabilitation”.

Dr David Elphinstone, Director of Research, added: “Understanding the potential of golf to aid the recovery, or simply improve the lives, of people post-stroke is fascinating to see.

‘’Not only that but identifying the potential barriers to participation, which can easily be resolved by providers of golf, is an essential part of this information”.

Results from the study have subsequently been used by England Golf to roll out the get-into-golf for stroke survivors to clubs nationwide.

For more information contact:
Dr John Fry, Lead Researcher for Sport, jfry@myerscough.ac.uk or on Twitter @johnfry12