Risk Factor Modification and Exercise Program after Stroke (TRI-REPS)

Read this resource to learn:

• How the program can help you • Who can join • How to join • Where to go

Toronto Rehabilitation InstituteCardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention Program347 Rumsey RoadToronto, OntarioM5G 1R7

Phone: 416 597 3422 ext. 5200 Fax: 416 425 0301

Information for patients and families

Please visit the UHN Patient Education website for more health information: www.uhnpatienteducation.ca© 2016 University Health Network. All rights reserved. This information is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for non-commercial personal use only.

Author: Susan MarzoliniRevised: 04/2016Form: D-5956

Toronto Rehab

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What is TRI-REPS?TRI-REPS is the name of an exercise and prevention program. It is for people whohavehadastroke.ThefullnameoftheprogramisRiskFactorModification and Exercise Program Following Stroke.

TRI-REPSisa6-monthprogram.Peoplecantakeitanytimeaftertheyfinish a regular stroke rehabilitation program.

Why is exercise important after stroke rehab?Studies show that regular physical exercise may help to prevent:

• a second stroke • heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases

Exercise can also:

• help you walk further and longer• make your muscles stronger• improve your quality of life after stroke

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Who is the program for?Thisprogramisforpeoplewhohavefinishedaregularstrokerehabilitationprogram.

To qualify:

• You must be able to walk at least 100 meters (330 feet). You must do this on your own or with a walking aide. You should not have a lot of pain when you do this.

• You should not have to rely on a wheelchair for daily activities.• It should be at least 3 months after your stroke (it can be longer).

What happens during the program?In the program you will attend exercise classes:

• once a week for 6 months• each group in the class has up to 5 people and meets for 90 minutes

You will get:

• strength training• aerobic training• range of motion exercises• 13 education sessions

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Firstyouwillhavesometeststomeasureyourfitnesslevelbeforeyoustart. Then, the Case Manager will design an aerobic training program that is safe for you. In the next session, the Case Manager will give you a strength training program. Next, we will assign you to an exercise group. The group has an Exercise Leader with a maximum of 5 people. You will do your individual exercise program in this group. You will also do exercises at home.

What else does the program offer?Your program may also include:

• counselling sessions with our psychologist, social workers or dietitian• diabetes workshops• stress management workshops

What kind of exercises will I do?Your exercise program will include:

1. Aerobic exercise

• such as walking or cycling on an exercise bike• toimproveyourcardiovascularfitnessandendurance

2. Strength training

• exercises using hand-held weights and exercise bands• to improve your muscle strength and endurance • after a few sessions, you will get a booklet showing you how

to do the exercises at home

We expect you to do the same exercises 4 more times during the week. You will do this on your own and record them in an exercise diary.

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Can caregivers attend?We encourage caregivers to attend each class. This will help you with home exercises. It will also help you make any changes in lifestyle.

What does it cost?The program is free for patients with a valid OHIP card. All expenses are covered, except for home exercise equipment.

What is the Rumsey Centre like? The program will be at the Rumsey Centre. In the centre, you will have access to:

• a 200-metre indoor track, that lets you exercise year-round• a 100-seat lecture theatre• change rooms, lockers and showers • a common area where you can meet and socialize with others• a Patient Resource Centre with 2 computers and resources on

healthy living

What patients tell us about this program:

“The program staff showed me how to exercise and motivated me to exercise regularly”

“Theexercisesweretailoredformespecificallyand helped me to walk better”

“The staff were extremely helpful and caring”

How can I sign up for the program?Ask your doctor or physiotherapist for a referral to the TRI-REPS Program. A referral form is attached.

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They will need to provide:

• the referral form• any relevant consultation notes• a copy of your electrocardiogram (ECG) if available• a hospital discharge summary

Please fax these to 416 425 0301.

Research While you are in the program, we may ask you to take part in research studies. You can choose to join if you like, but it is not required.

How to get to Rumsey Centre

347 Rumsey Rd. is located east of Bayview Ave. and north of Eglinton Ave.

By car: Exit Bayview Ave. at Kilgour Rd. and travel east. This will take you straight to the parking lot.

By transit: take the eastbound Eglinton #34 bus from Eglinton subway station. Exit at Rumsey Rd. and walk north.

347 Rumsey Road