Pioneering Breakthroughs in Stroke Rehabilitation
We’re investigating the link between stroke and issues such as spatial neglect, language deficits, and impaired mobility. Through cutting-edge technologies, including wearable robotics, virtual reality, eye-tracking, MRI brain imaging, and neurofeedback, we're developing targeted therapies to improve cognitive and motor outcomes.
Spatial neglect, a common complication of stroke that often goes undetected, affects a person’s awareness of one side of their body or surroundings, impacting recovery. Researcher Peii Chen, PhD, focuses on improving treatments and bringing effective rehabilitation into clinical practice and patients’ homes.
Clinicians can learn about Kessler Foundation Neglect Assessment Process (KF-NAP®), a standardized approach for detecting spatial neglect in real-life situations.
Clinicians can take the KF-NAP video course for a fee to learn how to detect and measure spatial neglect.
Watch how Kessler Foundation Prism Adaptation Treatment® uses special prism glasses to retrain attention, helping stroke survivors overcome spatial neglect.
Treating New Learning and Memory Deficits Following Stroke
The purpose of this research study is to examine the effectiveness of a program to improve new learning and memory in individuals who have had a stroke at least one year ago.
Your Support Drives Change
Bill Pastras, Why Research Matters to Me After My Stroke and TBI
In 2017, my life changed in an instant. While driving on the New Jersey Turnpike, I suddenly felt weak and lost control of my car...
Suzanne Cliff's Journey After Stroke
Suzanne had always been a take-charge kind of person. That all changed after her stroke...
Steve Ascolese Makes Music Again After Stroke
Steve Ascolese sustained a stroke in June 2020. Though not paralyzed, he lost mobility and had spatial neglect...
Racquel Porter, A Major Step Forward After Stroke
Racquel Porter, a charter school paraprofessional, survived a stroke last year. “It was life-changing,” Racquel says, “but it’s my nature to stay positive.”
Maria Martin, Virtual Game, Real Gains After Stroke
Seven years ago, teacher Maria Martin had a devastating stroke...
Dan Richter, Reading, Riding, and Recovery After Stroke
“Hill … hill … bike,” says Dan when asked about his goals, gesturing upward. He wants to ride through the mountains again…
Our Stroke Scientists in Action
Our Scientists Studying Stroke Rehabilitation
Our Specialized Centers Committed to Stroke Rehabilitation
FAQs About Stroke Research and Recovery
Stroke rehabilitation helps people improve walking, movement, thinking, communication, reading, and other skills affected by stroke. Kessler Foundation researchers develop and evaluate new rehabilitation therapies that help stroke survivors regain function, independence, and quality of life. Learn more about our Stroke Rehabilitation Research.
Kessler Foundation researchers develop and evaluate innovative rehabilitation treatments that improve recovery after stroke. Scientists use robotics, brain imaging (MRI), virtual reality, eye tracking, neurofeedback, and other advanced technologies to improve movement, communication, and cognitive function. Learn more at our Center for Stroke Rehabilitation Research.
Many stroke survivors improve their walking with rehabilitation. Kessler Foundation researchers study robotic devices, rehabilitation therapies, and other innovative approaches that help improve mobility, balance, and independence after stroke.
Recovery after stroke is an ongoing process. Some improvement may occur within weeks, but people can continue to make progress for months or years with rehabilitation. Kessler Foundation researchers develop and evaluate new therapies that help improve walking, communication, thinking, and other functions throughout the recovery process.
Kessler Foundation regularly recruits volunteers for stroke rehabilitation research studies. Visit our Join a Study page to explore current opportunities. If you find a study that interests you, complete the online inquiry form. A member of the research team will contact you to discuss the study and determine whether you are eligible to participate.
Spatial neglect is a condition that can occur after stroke, causing a person to be less aware of one side of their body or surroundings. It can make everyday activities such as eating, dressing, reading, and walking more difficult and less safe. Learn more about Spatial Neglect for Stroke Survivors and Family Caregivers.
Kessler Foundation researchers developed Kessler Foundation Prism Adaptation Treatment® (KF-PAT®), an evidence-based therapy that helps retrain the brain to pay attention to the affected side after stroke. Researchers continue to study ways to improve recovery and reduce the impact of spatial neglect. Learn more about this assessment tool and others.
Yes. A stroke can make it harder to read, speak, write, or understand language. Kessler Foundation researchers develop and evaluate rehabilitation therapies that improve reading, communication, and language recovery after stroke.
Aphasia is a language disorder that can occur after stroke. It may make it difficult to speak, understand language, read, or write. Kessler Foundation researchers study new rehabilitation approaches that improve communication and language recovery for people with aphasia.
Kessler Foundation researchers study many of the challenges that affect recovery after stroke, including walking and balance, spatial neglect, memory and thinking, reading, communication, and language. Their goal is to develop better rehabilitation therapies that improve everyday function and independence.
Stroke rehabilitation research helps develop better treatments that improve movement, thinking, communication, independence, and quality of life after stroke. Our goal is to develop rehabilitation treatments that help people recover more function and return to the activities that matter most.
