The FAME Program is backed by extensive scientific research, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving mobility, balance, strength, and overall well-being for individuals after stroke. The following findings highlight key benefits observed across multiple clinical trials.
WALKING
Improves walking and exercise capacity, where participants were shown 25% increase in walking distance.
BONE DENSITY
Maintains hip bone density compared to 3% loss in control group.
COGNITION
Improves thinking and memory skills (ADAS-Cog scale)
MUSCLE STRENGTH
Improves muscle strength by 20-25%.
BALANCE AND FALLS
Improves balance and balance confidence, and reduces risk of falls by 30% over a 12-month period.
The effectiveness of the FAME Program is supported by rigorous clinical research. The following publications detail the studies that have contributed to the program’s development, providing evidence of its impact:
- Marigold DS, Eng JJ, Dawson AS, Inglis JT, Harris JE, Gylfadóttir S. (2005) – Exercise leads to faster postural reflexes, improved balance, and reduced falls in older persons with chronic stroke. [Full paper]
- Pang MYC, Eng JJ, Dawson AS, McKay HA, Harris JE. (2005) – A community-based Fitness and Mobility Exercise (FAME) program for older adults with chronic stroke: A randomized controlled trial. [Full paper]
- Pang MYC, Ashe MC, Eng JJ, McKay HA, Dawson AS. (2006) – A 19-week exercise program for people with chronic stroke enhances bone geometry at the tibia: A peripheral quantitative computed tomography study. [Full paper]
- Pang MYC, Eng JJ. (2008) – Determinants of improvement in walking capacity among individuals with chronic stroke following a multi-dimensional exercise program. [Full paper]
- Eng JJ. (2010) – Fitness and Mobility Exercise Program for Stroke. [Full paper]
- Rand D, Eng JJ, Liu-Ambrose T, Tawashy AE. (2010) – Feasibility of a 6-month exercise and recreation program to improve executive functioning and memory in individuals with chronic stroke. [Full paper]
- Mayo N, Anderson S, Barclay R, Cameron J, Desrosiers J, Eng JJ, Huijbregts M, Mackay-Lyons M, Richards CL, Salbach NM, Scott SC, Teasell R, Bayley M. (2015) – Getting on with the rest of your life after stroke: Evaluation of a complex intervention aimed at enhanced life participation post-stroke. [Abstract]
- Liu-Ambrose T, Eng JJ. (2015) – Exercise training and recreational activities to promote executive functions in chronic stroke: A proof-of-concept study. [Full paper]
- Bird ML, William M, Chu F, Acerra N, Wright A, Bagnell E, Hayley K, Yao J, Eng JJ. (2019) – Building a Bridge to the Community – An integrated knowledge translation approach to improve participation in community-based exercise for people after stroke. [Abstract]