Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Computer Based Cognitive Rehabilitation (CBCR) Intervention for Young Stroke Survivors' Return to Work

After a stroke, some people find it harder to think clearly or remember things, which can make it tough to return to their jobs. This study is exploring a computer program called RehaCom Online. This program offers exercises designed to help retrain the brain and improve thinking skills. Researchers want to know if young stroke survivors (aged 18-65) find this program useful and easy to use alongside their regular therapy. The main goal is to see if it can help them feel more ready to go back to work. If it works well, it could lead to bigger studies to help more people.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Bournemouth University

Enrolment target

Start

02 Nov 2026

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2028

Stroke (Subacute)

What is this study about?

When someone has a stroke, it can sometimes affect parts of their brain that control thinking, memory, and problem-solving. These changes can be really frustrating, especially if someone wants to go back to work but finds these tasks more difficult than before. Many people are now using special computer programs to help their brains recover and get these skills back.

This study is looking at one such program called RehaCom Online. It's a series of computer exercises designed to help sharpen your attention, memory, and other thinking abilities. The main idea is to see if using this program, together with the usual therapy you get, can help young stroke survivors (those aged 18 to 65) improve their thinking and feel more confident about returning to their jobs. This isn't a new medication, but rather a way of exercising your brain.

Researchers want to understand a few things: Do people actually use this computer program? What do they think and feel about it? And does it make them feel more prepared to get back to work? If this small study shows promising results, it could lead to larger studies in the future to understand how best to use these tools to help people recover and get back to their normal lives after a stroke.

Key takeaways

This study explores a computer program (RehaCom Online) for stroke survivors.
It aims to help improve thinking skills like memory and attention.
The goal is to help young stroke survivors (18-65) get back to work.
You'd use the program from home for five weeks, alongside regular therapy.
It's for people whose current therapy already focuses on returning to work.
Findings could help develop better support for future stroke survivors.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for stroke survivors aged between 18 and 65 who are currently receiving occupational therapy in Dorset through NHS services. A key part of your therapy goals must be to return to work. You'll need to be able to understand study information in English and use a computer with a stable internet connection at home.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. These include if you have seizures, certain vision problems caused by your stroke, or if your stroke symptoms make it hard for you to understand English. Also, if you're unable to give your agreement to take part after understanding what's involved, you wouldn't be able to join.

Finally, occupational therapists working in the Dorset community rehabilitation services who are willing to help with the study can also be involved.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Are you currently receiving NHS occupational therapy with a goal to return to work?
Can you understand information in English and use a computer with internet?
Do you *not* have seizures or certain vision problems caused by your stroke?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part and meet the study requirements, you'll continue with your usual occupational therapy sessions. In addition to this, you'll use the RehaCom Online computer program for five weeks. This program can be accessed on your preferred internet-connected device, like a computer or tablet, and you'll do the exercises at home whenever it suits you, without a therapist present.

Before you start and after the five weeks, you'll complete some tests. These tests will help measure your attention, memory, and other thinking skills, as well as how ready you feel to return to work. There are no study medications involved. The total duration of active participation (using the program and completing tests) will be just over five weeks, with the possibility of some follow-up questionnaires later on.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might help you improve your thinking skills and feel more prepared to return to work, though we can't guarantee any specific benefits. You'll also be helping researchers understand better ways to support other stroke survivors in the future. As this is a computer program, risks are generally low, but you might find some of the exercises challenging or feel frustrated at times. You are free to stop taking part in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual care.

Locations (1)

Bournemouth University
Verified postcode
Bournemouth, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'RehaCom Online'?

It's a computer program with special exercises designed to help improve your attention, memory, and problem-solving skills after a stroke.

Do I have to go to a clinic to use the program?

No, you'll use RehaCom Online from home on your own computer or tablet at times that work best for you.

How long will I use the computer program?

You'll use the RehaCom Online program for five weeks, alongside your regular therapy.

Will this replace my usual therapy?

No, this program is meant to be used *in addition* to your regular occupational therapy, not instead of it.

What if I don't feel ready to go back to work?

This study is specifically for people whose therapy goals already include returning to work, so it's about helping you feel more ready, not forcing you.

How to find out more

Preetee Gokhale, M.O.Th

pgokhale@bournemouth.ac.uk 01202963121 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.