Improving stroke rehabilitation therapy through embedded research

Feature Stories | 05 Oct 2026 | Read time: 4 min | Written by: Mary Beth Gauthier

Surviving a stroke is just the beginning. Recovery is often a slow, arduous journey to reclaim the life survivors once knew. Relearning basic tasks like walking, dressing or eating is one hurdle, coping with emotional, cognitive, and social changes is another, and returning to activities that add meaning to life can be an additional burden.

When Dr. Dorothy Kessler took up a two-year Scientist in Rehabilitation Therapy appointment at Providence Care Hospital, she put her research into practice to help stroke survivors rebuild function and restore meaning to their lives.

Here is a look at some of the projects she led during her term.

Caregiver and family supports in stroke recovery

Dr. Kessler led a study of how families are involved in the stroke rehabilitation process. Working directly with stroke survivors, their caregivers and rehabilitation therapists, her team learned what was important to consider and what could be improved to support family caregivers in assisting their loved ones in recovery. She is currently forming an advisory group to help co-design tools and processes that could better support caregivers with recovery activities. The resources are now being piloted with families actively involved in caregiving and will inform wider implementation.

Using virtual coaching to improve quality of life

One of Dr. Kessler’s ongoing studies is on how occupational therapy (OT) performance coaching can help stroke survivors actively re-engage in daily activities that improve their quality of life. The study, supported by the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada and working alongside researchers at Bruyère Health in Ottawa, examines the role virtual coaching can play in a survivor’s therapy.

“One participant wanted to go fishing but had very poor balance,” Dr. Kessler recalled. “Working with their online coach and making practical accommodations helped that person get back to something they really loved to do. That’s what this research is about. Finding ways to support people to do the things that matter to them.”

Rather than replace hands on therapy, the virtual coaching model supports patients in managing their own recovery journey by extending therapy to activities that are meaningful to them.

Evaluating fall risk and promoting safe mobility

Falls are a serious concern for patients recovering from stroke. Dr. Kessler along with a team of doctors, nurses, therapists, and researchers from Providence Care and Queen's, conducted a literature review and environmental scan looking at fall prevention and mobility programs to encourage safe movement, teach patients how to get up after a fall and promote better mobility overall. The team's work focuses on translating that evidence into practical tools and protocols that staff can use day-to-day.

Using water therapy for arm recovery

Dr. Kessler supervised OT students running outpatient programs using Providence Care’s therapy pool to support arm recovery after stroke. She researched and designed pool based exercises tailored to stroke survivors’ needs, with input from stroke therapists. The program is being piloted by OTs at Providence Care. By combining research and student learning with additional therapy options for patients, Dr. Kessler’s work demonstrates how bringing research ‘to the bedside’ can make a huge impact in survivors’ overall health and wellbeing.

Accomplishing these goals in such a short time, Dr. Kessler says the opportunity to conduct research in a clinical setting helped with collaboration, patient recruitment, and development of real-world solutions that could be easily implemented within the hospital.

“The environment at Providence Care is very conducive to research,” Dr. Kessler said. “People have a can do attitude; clinicians were gracious with their time and creative in helping find solutions. I’m very thankful for the opportunity to work so closely with them.”

Dr. Setareh Ghahari appointed Scientist in Rehabilitation

Dr. Setareh Ghahari, Associate Professor, Rehabilitation Therapy, is now in the Scientist in Rehabilitation role until July 1, 2028. She is exploring what happens when patients leave the hospital and begin rebuilding their lives in the community. This includes studying the experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse people with neurological conditions such as, stroke, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis, as they navigate that critical transition from Providence Care to community living. The goal is to help ensure that every patient receives care that is equitable, culturally meaningful, and responsive to their unique needs.

“Dr. Kessler’s work during her term demonstrates the power of putting researchers directly in clinical settings,” says Stephanie Nixon, Vice-Dean and Director, School of Rehabilitation Therapy. “She has helped improve care, supported learners, and created tools that really matter to stroke survivors and their caregivers. We are proud to partner with Providence Care and look forward to more advancements to come from this partnership with Dr. Ghahari.”

The Scientist in Rehabilitation position is generously supported through funding from the Causeway Stroke Rehabilitation Research Program and Providence Care.

Photo caption (above): Dr. Dorothy Kessler (right) talks with patient collaborator, Isabel Guggenheim at Providence Care

October is Occupational Therapy Month in Canada, celebrating how occupational therapy supports health, participation, independence, inclusion, and quality of life.

Read time

4 min

Written by

Mary Beth Gauthier