LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is looking for more eligible patients for its $100,000 stroke research project that focuses on helping stroke survivors avoid future injuries due to falls by studying strength and balance.

Mark Mennemeier, PhD, an associate professor of neurobiology and developmental sciences at UAMS, said he is still looking for more participants for the two-year pilot study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Mennemeier’s goal is to identify therapies that can improve alertness, which appears to play a role in strength and balance perception.

The study will include up to 55 participants–people who have had a stroke affecting one side of the body and people who have not had a stroke but want to participate as a control subject.

Mennemeier said they are especially interested in patients who have difficulty noticing things on the left side of the body (left neglect), who “pocket” food in their mouth when eating, and who have problems swallowing. Stroke participants will receive a study medication that is expected to increase alertness.

The study involves up to five appointments that may last up to two hours each. There is no cost to participate, and participants will receive compensation.

Up to one third of all stroke patients may fall during or following stroke rehabilitation. Falls in the hospital and at home are related in part to misperception of strength and balance. Problems can persist months and years after stroke. The long-term goal of the study is to improve stroke rehabilitation and to prevent injury by treating problems of alertness.

Potential study participants may call 501-526-7773 or send an email to msmennemeirer@uams.edu for more information.

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