University staff saddle up for stroke research

A team of researchers from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is working to help stroke survivors get back into cycling by engaging with members of the community.

As part of the project, the University’s Stroke Research department invited stroke survivors, relatives, carers and healthcare professionals from across Lancashire to try out a range of adapted and electric bicycles.

The event, held at the UCLan Sports Arena, saw participants trialling three wheelers, four wheelers, recumbents, hand cycles and wheelchair transporters to explore whether adapted and electric bicycles can support those affected by stroke in returning to or taking up cycling.

It was supported by Electric Bikes Research Executive (EBRE), and part of independent research funding provided by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

UCLan has established a collaborative partnership with EBRE, a charity which aims to unlock the potential of electrically assisted pedal cycles through research, innovation and educational activities, through the NIHR’s Office for Clinical Research Infrastructure (NOCRI).

Professor Caroline Watkins, head of UCLan’s Stroke Research team, said: “Reclaiming mobility is a significant part of rehabilitation for stroke survivors and our work is committed to identifying ways to help people improve their health and wellbeing, by encouraging them to get outdoors and do something enjoyable with family and friends.

“This particular initiative was inspired by a member of our team, a stroke survivor, who recently began using a recumbent bicycle but fatigue prevented him travelling as far as he would like. As a result, we began considering alternative options to see how they might work in practice.

“We wanted to speak to people to see how they could feel more confident about getting back on a bike, what their concerns may be, as well as gaining the perspective of health professionals who may be cautious about encouraging potentially risky activities.

“Some very useful feedback was obtained on the day which will help us to now look in greater detail at the physical adaptations which electrically assisted bicycles would require to make them suitable for stroke survivors with a range of impairments, as well as the further discussions needed to help people work through practical and mental barriers prior to revisiting leisure pursuits.”

According to the Stroke Association, stroke occurs approximately 152,000 times a year and there are over 1.2million stroke survivors in the UK.

UCLan’s Stroke Research team is the UK’s only nurse-led stroke research unit and works closely with national and international partners to promote stroke research and improve care and education standards. The team’s extensive portfolio of primary and secondary research spans the five main areas of stroke care: acute, long-term care, prevention, rehabilitation and workforce development.

Enjoyed this? Read more from University of Lancashire

Latest news

1

St Annes thrives with strongest August footfall in years St Annes Square footfall

St Annes thrives with strongest August footfall in years

26 Oct 2025

2

BAE Systems workers vote for strike action BAE Systems production

BAE Systems workers vote for strike action

23 Oct 2025

3

National Cyber Force launches startup programme in the North West Nick Miles, National Cyber Force deputy director for Samlesbury

National Cyber Force launches startup programme in the North West

23 Oct 2025

4

Foresight announces £90m first close of its third North West regional investment fund Foresight announces £90 million first close of its third dedicated North West regional investment fund

Foresight announces £90m first close of its third North West regional investment fund

23 Oct 2025

5

McMurrays Haulage expands fleet after contract win Warehouse Supervisor at Pets Choice Brad Eddleston and McMurrays Sales Manager Rob Spencer. Photo credit: McMurrays Haulage Limited

McMurrays Haulage expands fleet after contract win

21 Oct 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

Lancaster District Business Support Expo
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Oct 2025 - 29 Oct 2025

Lancaster District Business Support Expo

The Platform, Morecambe, LA4 4DB

10:00 - 15:00

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
06 Nov 2025 - 06 Nov 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November

Porsche Centre South Lakes, Carnforth, LA6 1FW

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Roundtables
10 Nov 2025 - 10 Nov 2025

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner

Lancaster Castle, Lancaster, LA1 1YN

14:00 - 16:00

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity
1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human
2.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
13 Nov 2025 - 13 Nov 2025

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

The AI Lab: E-commerce
Ai Lab ecommerce (1).png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Nov 2025 - 14 Nov 2025

The AI Lab: E-commerce

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin