Innovation in a Learning Organization: Impact and Challenges in Rehabilitation
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Thursday, November 19, 2026, 8:00 a.m. – 4:10 p.m.
MAB at the Lethbridge-Layton-Mackay Rehabilitation Center
Auditorium Layton Hall, 7000 Sherbrooke W, Montreal, QC H4B 1R3
This event is open to all: healthcare professionals, clinical managers, researchers, graduate students, research staff, service users, and the general public, as well as policymakers interested in physical rehabilitation
Registration closes on October 30 at 5:00 p.m.
Program
| TIME | MORNING | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00–8:45 a.m. | Participant Registration and Welcome | Layton Hall Auditorium |
| 8:45–9:00 a.m. | Welcome and Opening Remarks
Caroline Pelletier, Assistant Director, Directorate of Learning Partnerships and Knowledge Mobilization (DPAAS) Theodora Brinckman, Executive Director, Habilitas Mark Demaine, Assistant Director of Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Physical Disability Rehabilitation and Multidisciplinary Services |
Layton Hall Auditorium |
| 9:00–9:45 a.m. | Opening Keynote “Learning in a Context of Rapid Change with AI”
Marie-Pierre Gagnon, PhD. Université Laval |
Layton Hall Auditorium |
| 9:45–9:50 a.m. | Eva-Kehayia Recognition Award Promising Early-Career Researcher | Layton Hall Auditorium |
| 9:50–10:25 a.m. | 2025 Eva-Kehayia Award Recipient
Frédérique Poncet, PhD. Université de Montréal Flash Talks: Flash Talk 1: La conduite commentée adaptée en vidéos : se préparer à la route avant de prendre le volant, presented by Minh-Thy Truong. Flash Talk 2: When 1 + 1 = More Than 2: The Unique Functional Reality of Deafblindness, presented by Shirley Dumassais. Flash Talk 3: Participation Patterns at Home, School, in the Community and at Work: Perspectives of Youth and Young Adults with DCD, presented by Cheng Zeng. |
Layton Hall Auditorium |
| 10:25–10:40 a.m. | Transition and Refreshment Break | |
| 10:40–12:25 p.m. | Concurrent Workshops: Innovation, AI and Technology in Rehabilitation (10) | See the list of workshops below |
| 12:25–1:25 p.m. | Lunch, Mobile Exhibition and Poster Session (evaluation of posters 5, 6, 7, 8, and from 24 to 36) | Layton Hall • Cafétéria C133 • Corridor E1 |
| TIME | AFTERNOON | LOCATION |
| 1:25–2:00 p.m. | 2026 Eva-Kehayia Award Recipient
Natalina Martiniello PhD. Université de Montréal Flash Talks: Flash Talk 4: Edge A-Eye: AI-Based Indoor Navigation System for People with Visual Impairments, presented by Benoit Pelletier. Flash Talk 5: Projet pilote Airrbelt : premiers apprentissages – Centre de réadaptation Catherine-Booth, presented by Megan Gilleen Bunga et Martin Gladu. Flash Talk 6: Understanding Community Employment Pathways for Youth with Disabilities in Canada, presented by Amelia Hagelstam Renshaw. |
Layton Hall Auditorium |
| 2:00–3:00 p.m. | Panel Discussion: AI in Rehabilitation “Between Enthusiasm and Caution”
Marco Laverdière, L.L.M; Myriam Côté, PhD; Marie-Pascale Pomey, PhD; Mme Sarah Clohé Lacoste, Ing.; Marie-Pierre Gagnon, PhD. |
Layton Hall Auditorium |
| 3:00–3:05 p.m. | CRIR Remarks
Claudine Auger, Scientific Director, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR) |
Layton Hall Auditorium |
| 3:05–4:00 p.m. | Poster Session (evaluation of posters 1,2,3,4 and from 9 to 23) | Layton Hall • Cafeteria C133 • E1 Corridor |
| 4:00 p.m.–4:10 p.m. | Closing Remarks and Awards Ceremony
Sara Ahmed, Researcher and Head of the Constance-Lethbridge Sites |
Layton Hall Auditorium |
Our Speakers
Biography: Marie-Pierre Gagnon is a full professor in the Faculty of Nursing at Université Laval and a researcher at VITAM and the CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Centre (CRCHU de Québec). She co-leads the Université Laval RUIS branch of the SUPPORT Unit (Unité SOUTIEN) and holds a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Connected Health. Her work focuses on the implementation and knowledge translation in healthcare settings. She is particularly interested in the adoption of evidence-based practices and the implementation of digital technologies in primary care. Her research also examines the use of scientific evidence in decision-making and the involvement of patients and the public in these decisions.
Biography: Marco Laverdière is a lawyer and an associate researcher at the Canada Research Chair in Collaborative Culture in Health Law and Policy and at H-POD at Université de Montréal. He teaches in the graduate programs in health law and policy at the Université de Sherbrooke. He is also Secretary and Executive Director of the Ordre des optométristes du Québec (Quebec Order of Optometrists).
Biography: Marie-Pascale Pomey is a full professor of public health at the School of Public Health and the Faculty of Medicine at Université de Montréal, a researcher at the CHUM Research Centre, and an associate researcher at CREMIS. A physician specializing in public health, she holds a PhD in public health from Université Paris V–Descartes and Université de Montréal. She holds the Chair in Health Technology Assessment and Innovative Care Modalities at CHUM, which focuses on engaging patients and citizens in transforming the healthcare system. Since 2005, she has directed the Master’s program in Health Services Administration, specializing in quality and safety management (QUÉOPSI). She is also a medical advisor at INESSS and co-director of the Centre of Excellence on Partnership with Patients and the Public.
Biography: Myriam Côté has extensive experience in research and development, technology transfer, and executive leadership. At Université de Montréal, she contributed to the development of MILA alongside Professor Yoshua Bengio, recipient of the 2018 Turing Award. Recognized by Re-Work as one of the 30 most influential women in AI in Canada, she advocates for ethical, responsible, and inclusive AI. She promotes the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals into AI innovation strategies. Her visionary leadership and entrepreneurial mindset foster the development of innovative projects and strategic partnerships. She has an in-depth understanding of Quebec’s innovation ecosystem and an extensive national and international network.
Biography: Trained as an engineer and currently completing an MBA, Sarah-Clohé Lacoste serves as Strategic Lead, Data and Intelligence, at the CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal. Her expertise spans digital strategy, enterprise architecture, enterprise data, and artificial intelligence. She contributes to transforming data into drivers of improved healthcare delivery and organizational performance.
Workshops, click on a title for more details
Facilitators: Alexandre Oillic; Dr. Michael Reber
Room: Board room C233
Description: Building on the pilot study conducted in Toronto and the European REVIIH-BT study planned with 120 participants across eight centres, Kaptics and Dr. Michael Reber have developed a device combining immersive visual stimulation, electroencephalography (EEG), and eye tracking. A checkerboard pattern displayed in the headset makes it possible to measure visual evoked potentials. Eye tracking verifies fixation, while responses are averaged and visualized during data acquisition. The initial data involve healthy participants; data collection with patients is planned before and after the rehabilitation program.
Facilitators: Frédérique Poncet; E. Vaucher; A. Saj; Weill Chounlamountry
Room: Boardroom C233
Description: H’Spires is PC- or Mac-based software designed to rehabilitate blind visual field areas through high-contrast moving stimulation presented along the border of the blind field. Following calibration, patients complete two 20-minute sessions per day at home. A pre–post feasibility study will assess the effects on visual fields and activities of daily living. A student will work on the project for six months in 2027. The workshop will give clinical teams an opportunity to test the software and discuss outcome variables and measurement tools.
Facilitators: Claire Liu; Anne Nguyen-Doan; David Lam; PAT team
Room: C234
Description: A fully adapted board game using assistive technologies commonly used in rehabilitation. Participants use different computer access methods and communication setups to play, make choices, and interact. This hands-on activity offers an opportunity to experience the realities of people with physical or communication limitations and to explore the roles of occupational therapy and speech-language pathology in promoting participation and inclusion.
Facilitators: Jessica McLeod
Room: C37B
Description: An anonymized case study involving six high school students who are blind or have low vision during an orientation and mobility camp. Working in two teams, they followed six clues in a busy commercial area using magnification, screen readers, voice memos, and remote or AI-powered visual assistance. Both teams successfully completed all six clues. Each student asked a stranger for help, and participants expressed interest in repeating the activity on a longer route.
Facilitators: Arnaud Saj; Bertrand Caty; Mohsin Khan; Riaz Khan
Room: A301
Description: The use of EEG and neurofeedback in clinical practice remains limited by several barriers: equipment historically designed for research, a multitude of software applications, complex protocols, and difficulties interpreting the data generated.nnObjective. To develop an integrated neurofunctional workflow suited to routine clinical practice, from EEG signal acquisition to its therapeutic application and interpretation.
Methodology. The first component is based on a portable EEG device designed to simplify data acquisition during clinical consultations and reduce the technical constraints typically associated with laboratory systems. A second component enables EEG activity to be used in neurofeedback protocols, with signal monitoring and adaptive training parameters. Finally, neurOmarker analyzes EEG/qEEG data, performs quality control, quantifies available measures, and compares them against a documented and evolving scientific knowledge base.
The platform systematically distinguishes between measurements, levels of evidence, and clinical interpretation. It also enables longitudinal monitoring and supports clinicians in identifying the limitations of an acquisition and the conditions required to improve data quality.
Expected outcomes. This approach aims to bridge the gap between the technical capabilities of EEG and its everyday clinical application by providing healthcare professionals with a simpler, more traceable, and better-integrated workflow, while ensuring that final interpretation remains the responsibility of the clinician.
Animateurs: Elena Guseva; Walter Wittich
Salle: B 315-A
Description: Atelier interactif fondé sur un projet de mobilisation des connaissances financé par CABHI. Après une introduction aux changements visuels et cognitifs associés à la démence, les participants analysent une vignette clinique et proposent des adaptations de l’éclairage, du contraste, de la complexité visuelle, du placement du matériel et de la communication du thérapeute. L’approche vise à réduire la charge cognitive et à soutenir le choix, la communication et l’engagement significatif.
Facilitators: Athur Filleul; Anne Hudon; Matthew Hunt
Room: A314
Description: Each 30-minute session includes a 5-minute introduction and overview, followed by a 15-minute self-guided gallery-style visit featuring three stations. Participants rotate between stations every 5 minutes to explore each one. Each station includes a brief presentation and physical materials, such as comics, activities used at the booth, and images of the artwork. The session concludes with 10 minutes for questions and closing remarks.
Facilitators: Fernanda Menescal; Nicolas Jimenez, MSc; Bita Hojjatpanah Montazeri, IMG; Sara Ahmed
Room: A308
Description: Après un AVC ou un traumatisme craniocérébral (TCC), la récupération exige une pratique intensive et répétitive, alors que le temps de thérapie est limité, particulièrement lors de la transition de l’hôpital vers les soins ambulatoires. Kinesix-VR est une plateforme immersive qui utilise l’intelligence artificielle pour suivre les mains et les doigts en temps réel et transformer des tâches quotidiennes en exercices thérapeutiques progressifs et ludiques. Cette étude pré-post à méthodes mixtes évaluera l’implantation de Kinesix-VR dans le programme de réadaptation neurologique du CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest. Cliniciens, gestionnaires, experts TI, patients et proches aidants participeront à la co-conception. La préparation et l’implantation seront évaluées au moyen de groupes de discussion et de questionnaires (ORIC, NoMAD, AIM/IAM/FIM), avec suivi de la faisabilité, de la fidélité, de l’adoption et des résultats rapportés par les patients pendant 15 mois, selon les cadres CFIR, ERIC et NPT. Les résultats attendus comprennent un plan d’implantation adapté, des données sur les obstacles et facilitateurs ainsi que des données préliminaires sur la dose thérapeutique et la récupération fonctionnelle.
Facilitators: Dominique Gélinas Bronsard; Nell Kupka; Evgenia Pateras
Room: A315
Description: Learning to use powered mobility devices requires equipment that can accommodate a wide range of abilities, access methods, and positioning needs in children. In response to limitations identified with existing solutions, the team initiated the development of a pediatric training wheelchair.
The project followed a collaborative, iterative approach that brought together clinical and technical expertise. Needs identified in clinical practice guided the design, adaptations, and progressive refinement of the wheelchair. This process led to the development of an adaptable training wheelchair that allows positioning and access methods to be adjusted to meet each child’s needs.
Beyond the product itself, the project illustrates the value of combining different areas of expertise and engaging in experimentation to address unmet clinical needs. Presented as an interactive workshop, the project will invite participants to envision their own solution before discovering the one developed by the team, and to reflect on the conditions that enable a clinical need to be transformed into innovation.
Facilitators: Angèle Sauzet
Room : Cafeteria C133
Description: To learn more about inclusive environments, come and visit this exhibition, which presents, in an accessible and interactive way, research-based strategies developed by CRIR members, along with clinical rehabilitation practices that help make environments more inclusive.
The exhibition aims to engage the public in a dialogue about the actions and opportunities that foster the inclusion of people living with disabilities in their immediate surroundings, their communities, and society as a whole.
Posters, click on a title for more details
Animator : Eltayeb Razan
Salle : Auditorium Layton Hall
Description :
Animator: Sara Marcantonio
Salle : Auditorium Layton Hall
Description :
Animator: El Mokhtar Ons
Salle : Auditorium Layton Hall
Description :
Introduction : La maladie de Parkinson (MP) est une affection neurodégénérative évolutive dont les symptômes, notamment les troubles de la communication et de la déglutition, peuvent affecter la qualité de vie et nécessiter une gestion quotidienne. L’éducation thérapeutique du patient (ETP) vise à développer les compétences nécessaires à la gestion d’une maladie chronique. Bien que des programmes d’ETP multidisciplinaires aient été développés pour la MP, les pratiques orthophoniques à visée éducative demeurent peu documentées. Objectif : Cette revue vise à mieux comprendre les pratiques orthophoniques à visée éducative dans la MP et, plus largement, dans le contexte des maladies neurodégénératives. Méthodes : Une revue de la portée sera réalisée selon la méthodologie du JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis et les recommandations PRISMA-ScR. La sélection et l’extraction des données seront réalisées par deux évaluatrices à l’aide de Covidence. Les données seront synthétisées de manière descriptive et thématique afin de cartographier les caractéristiques des interventions. Résultats : Sur 2125 références identifiées, 284 doublons ont été retirés. Les titres et résumés de 1841 références ont été examinés, dont 1637 ont été exclus. À ce jour, 128 articles ont été évalués en texte intégral et 21 études incluses. La revue permettra de caractériser les fondements théoriques, les modalités de conception et de mise en œuvre, les retombées, ainsi que les facilitateurs et obstacles des interventions et leur place dans la trajectoire de soins. Conclusion : Cette revue permettra de synthétiser les données sur l’ETP en orthophonie et d’identifier les lacunes actuelles afin d’orienter les futures recherches et interventions.
Animator: Cléo Bertrand
Salle : Auditorium Layton Hall
Description :
Animator: Siena Di Liello
Salle : Auditorium Layton Hall
Description :
Introduction: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a multifactorial condition that can impair daily function. Assessing the range of motion (ROM) in adjacent joints may help clinicians better understand how to manage individuals with CLBP. Purpose: The purpose is to 1) compare thoracic, hip, and ankle ROM between individuals with CLBP and asymptomatic controls, and 2) examine the association between ROM deficits with pain severity, disability score and psychological outcomes in the CLBP group. Methodology: In this preliminary analysis, ten participants with CLBP and ten asymptomatic controls matched for age and sex were recruited via convenience sampling. Thoracic, hip and ankle ROM was assessed using the VALD DynaMo handheld inclinometer and dynamometer. Welch’s independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney U test were used for between-group comparisons. Pearson’s correlations and Spearman’s rank correlations were used to run correlations between questionnaires and ROM. Results: Left hip internal rotation was significantly lower in the CLBP group as compared to controls (p=0.047) while thoracic and ankle ROM did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). There was a strong positive correlation between VAS and left hip internal rotation (r= 0.63, p=0.04) in CLBP, with a similar trend for right hip internal rotation (r=0.58; p=0.07). A strong negative correlation between ODI and left dorsiflexion (r= -0.654, p=0.040) was found in the CLBP group. Conclusion: Global ROM differences were largely absent, though joint-specific associations with pain and disability were observed at the hip and ankle in individuals with CLBP. These preliminary findings should be interpreted with caution.
Animator: Elizabeth Mohler
Salle : Auditorium Layton Hall
Description :
Background: Blind, deafblind and low vision scholars contribute methodological knowledge to research, yet many research technologies and environments are designed for sighted researchers. Barriers across the research cycle can affect autonomy, workload and participation. Understanding these experiences is particularly relevant to vision rehabilitation professionals who support students and professionals in postsecondary education, research and employment. This review synthesizes barriers and facilitators encountered by blind, deafblind and low vision scholars conducting qualitative research. Methods: A scoping review based on the Arksey and O’Malley methodology identified literature from five databases published since 2000. Eligible sources included primary peer-reviewed studies, case studies and first-hand commentaries addressing any stage of qualitative research. Two researchers screened 515 articles at title/abstract and 43 at full text, resulting in 24 included studies from 585 records identified (70 duplicates removed). Data charting and analysis are ongoing. Results and Discussion: The 24 articles were published between 2008 and 2026 across 20 journals. Emerging findings suggest that accessibility extends beyond technical access to software, shaping time, workload, autonomy, methodological options and participation in knowledge production. Scholars use assistive technologies, accessibility software, individualized adaptations and collaboration strategies, while inaccessible technologies and practices can increase workload and reliance on sighted colleagues. Conclusion: Findings can inform vision rehabilitation and allied professionals who support postsecondary education, research and employment. Rehabilitation professionals can facilitate accessible research workflows, identify alternatives, strengthen self-advocacy and problem-solving, and collaborate with institutions to address barriers, recognizing the potential of blind, deafblind and low vision scholars as research innovators.
Animator: Leila Jamshidi
Salle : Auditorium Layton Hall
Description :
Background: Intramuscular fat (IMF) accumulation, a feature of myosteatosis, is an important marker of impaired skeletal muscle quality. Chronic systemic inflammation may contribute to IMF accumulation, but this association has not been comprehensively synthesized. Objective: To systematically evaluate and quantitatively synthesize associations between systemic inflammatory biomarkers and skeletal muscle IMF in adults. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to November 24, 2025. Eligible studies assessed systemic inflammatory biomarkers and IMF using validated methods. Two reviewers independently extracted data, and risk of bias was assessed using design-specific Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Extractable correlations were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis after Fisher’s Z transformation. Results: Twenty-one studies involving 5,929 participants were included. Pooled associations with IMF were weak for C-reactive protein (CRP; r≈0.15; 95% CI, 0.04–0.25; 95% PI, −0.18–0.45) and interleukin-6 (IL-6; r≈0.20; 95% CI, 0.03–0.35; 95% PI, −0.39–0.67), whereas tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) showed a negligible association (r≈−0.05; 95% CI, −0.35–0.26; 95% PI, −0.90–0.88). All prediction intervals included the null, indicating uncertainty in the magnitude and direction of associations expected in future comparable studies. Associations appeared more consistent in populations characterized by sustained inflammatory or immune-metabolic burden. Interpretation was limited by substantial heterogeneity, heterogeneous IMF assessment methods, inconsistent covariate adjustment, and predominantly observational designs. Conclusion: Systemic inflammatory biomarkers demonstrate weak overall associations with skeletal muscle IMF. These findings support the interpretation of inflammation as one component of the multifactorial biology of myosteatosis rather than a strong independent correlate of muscle fat infiltration. The modest effect sizes and wide prediction intervals suggest limited stand-alone clinical utility of circulating inflammatory biomarkers for identifying IMF burden and support their integration with imaging, muscle function, body composition, and metabolic measures in multimodal assessment strategies.
Animator: Cartaleanu Andra Maria
Salle : Auditorium Layton Hall
Description :
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that can cause pain and impede daily activities, such as walking or climbing stairs. In severe cases where medical treatment and physical therapy can’t provide relief and significantly improve patients’ quality of life, doctors recommend total hip arthroplasty (THA). An alternative surgery, hip resurfacing, is proposed to younger, more active patients. Despite successfully providing pain relief, both THA and HRA lack conclusive data on which is most effective at improving long-term functional outcomes. Our project compared gait kinematics and clinical outcomes between patients who received THA and those who received HRA. Primary outcomes included spatiotemporal and gait kinematic variables, such as gait speed, stride length of the affected vs. unaffected limbs, and hip joint angles. Secondary outcomes focused on patient-reported and performance-based measures. Biomechanical outcomes were measured during gait trials using an eight-camera markerless motion capture system and analyzed with software Theia3D and Visual3D. Clinical outcomes were evaluated through three questionnaires and two physical tests. Most biomechanical outcomes did not differ significantly between groups, with the exception of stride length, which was significantly greater in the HRA group. No significant differences were detected for patient-reported measures. Finally, HRA patients significantly outperformed THA patients on both physical tests, but this difference may reflect younger age, as participants in the HRA group were significantly younger. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that patients receiving HRA exhibited biomechanical and functional outcomes similar to those of THA patients, an important consideration for patients making a decision about prosthesis choice.
Animator: Theodora Christou
Salle : Auditorium Layton Hall
Description :
Animator: Maureen Mac Mahon
Salle : Auditorium Layton Hall
Description :
Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) is at the forefront of neurological rehabilitation, however, training protocols are often highly variable and poorly described. This scoping review mapped the evidence on RAGT in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). The objectives were to identify training protocols tailored to injury severity and rehabilitation goals and to identify gaps in intervention reporting. The review was conducted according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Studies involving adults with SCI who received stationary RAGT were identified through systematic searches of MEDLINE, All EBM Reviews, EMBASE, CINAHL Complete, and PEDro. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) framework was used for data extraction and synthesis. Ninety-two studies were included. For individuals with motor incomplete SCI, the effects of RAGT on walking, motor function, and spasticity are relatively well documented, whereas its effects on neuroplasticity, autonomic function, and sensory recovery remain underexplored. Among individuals with motor complete SCI, few studies have evaluated effects on cardiorespiratory fitness, bone density, autonomic function, or quality of life. Across all studies, several intervention components were infrequently reported, including transition to non-robotic gait training (6%), therapist qualifications (10%), training intensity (24%), and therapist-participant interactions (23%). Heterogeneity in the progression of body weight support, speed, and robotic assistance demonstrates a lack of consensus. Clinicians and researchers should better document parameter progression, training intensity, therapist-participant interactions, and the transition to walking without robotic assistance. More detailed reporting of these elements, supported by clinical reasoning, would improve intervention reproducibility and facilitate translation into clinical practice.
Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) is at the forefront of neurological rehabilitation, however, training protocols are often highly variable and poorly described. This scoping review mapped the evidence on RAGT in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). The objectives were to identify training protocols tailored to injury severity and rehabilitation goals and to identify gaps in intervention reporting. The review was conducted according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Studies involving adults with SCI who received stationary RAGT were identified through systematic searches of MEDLINE, All EBM Reviews, EMBASE, CINAHL Complete, and PEDro. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) framework was used for data extraction and synthesis. Ninety-two studies were included. For individuals with motor incomplete SCI, the effects of RAGT on walking, motor function, and spasticity are relatively well documented, whereas its effects on neuroplasticity, autonomic function, and sensory recovery remain underexplored. Among individuals with motor complete SCI, few studies have evaluated effects on cardiorespiratory fitness, bone density, autonomic function, or quality of life. Across all studies, several intervention components were infrequently reported, including transition to non-robotic gait training (6%), therapist qualifications (10%), training intensity (24%), and therapist-participant interactions (23%). Heterogeneity in the progression of body weight support, speed, and robotic assistance demonstrates a lack of consensus. Clinicians and researchers should better document parameter progression, training intensity, therapist-participant interactions, and the transition to walking without robotic assistance. More detailed reporting of these elements, supported by clinical reasoning, would improve intervention reproducibility and facilitate translation into clinical practice.
Animator: McLeod Jessica
Salle : Auditorium Layton Hall
Description :
Ultra-low vision (ULV) limits recognition of shapes and details, affecting mobility and participation. For adults with deafblindness, hearing and vision impairments limit the extent to which one sense can compensate for the other. Combining sensory cues may enhance spatial perception, but audiovisual integration remains poorly understood in these populations. This study uses virtual reality (VR) to investigate whether adults with deafblindness and/or ultra-low vision combine auditory and visual information to locate a target. We examine whether participants weight cues optimally and whether combining cues reduces perceptual uncertainty. Following vision, hearing, and cognitive screening, participants complete a localisation task. A virtual cellphone appears sequentially in two locations, and participants indicate whether the second presentation was to the left or right of the first. Randomised conditions provide visual cues, auditory cues, or both. Preliminary analyses of two adults with deafblindness show contrasting results. One participant combined cues as predicted by the Maximum Likelihood Estimation model, with lower uncertainty than in single-cue condition. The other did not show the predicted benefit; hearing impairment, age, and fatigue may have influenced performance. Additional data from participants with ULV and no detected hearing loss await analysis. These early findings suggest potential localisation benefits for some individuals, but the small sample limits conclusions. Next steps include continued recruitment and analysis to clarify individual differences and assess VR’s potential in sensory rehabilitation. This work forms the first phase of a larger programme developing multisensory training to improve functional vision in people with ULV.
Animator: Rania Soliman
Salle : Auditorium Layton Hall
Description :
Introduction: Monitoring patient-reported health outcomes during hospital-to-home transitions is essential for understanding recovery and supporting patient-centered care. PROMIS-10 offers a standardized approach to assessing physical and mental health among older cardiovascular patients. Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of collecting PROMIS-10 during hospital-to-home transitions and explore associations between in-hospital physical activity and patient-reported health outcomes. Methodology: A feasibility study was conducted in a cardiovascular unit at a tertiary hospital. Patients completed PROMIS-10 at discharge (T1) and one month later (T2), electronically or by telephone. Recruitment, retention, and completion rates were assessed. Physical activity was monitored using Fitbit devices in a subgroup. Changes in PROMIS T-scores and correlations with activity levels were examined. Results: Of 95 patients approached, 53 participated (55.8%), and 40 completed follow-up (75.5%). PROMIS-10 completion rates were 98.1% at discharge and 100% at follow-up. Physical health T-scores improved significantly by 5.2 points (95% CI 2.1–8.4), while mental health scores remained stable. Among 14 Fitbit users, higher activity levels were associated with better physical and mental health scores at discharge. Conclusion and Next Steps: PROMIS-10 demonstrated feasibility for monitoring recovery in older cardiovascular patients. Integrating patient-reported outcomes into transitional care may support individualized follow-up planning and identify recovery needs after discharge. Further evaluation of implementation and scalability is warranted.
Animator: Shakiba Ghafari
Salle : Auditorium Layton Hall
Description :
Background and Rationale: Canada ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2010. Articles 25 and 26 recognize the rights of persons with disabilities to health and rehabilitation, yet how these rights are reflected across Canadian jurisdictions remains unclear. Purpose: To examine the extent to which federal, provincial, and territorial policies reflect implementation of CRPD Articles 25 and 26 and identify gaps and opportunities for rights-based policy development. Approach and Implementation: We conducted a participatory desk review of Canadian policies published since ratification. Two reviewers screened documents, with validation by a research team including persons with disabilities and researchers. Eligible documents were analyzed using a Gemini Notebook prompt developed by the team to assess substantive CRPD-related content, followed by iterative manual content analysis. Outcomes / Learnings: Of 2,983 documents retrieved, preliminary analysis of 857 found 372 (43.4%) addressed both Articles, 216 (25.2%) Article 25 only, 185 (21.6%) Article 26 only, and 84 (9.8%) were unclassified. Overall, 186 (21.7%) were Highly Aligned, 178 (20.8%) Moderately Aligned, 251 (29.3%) Slightly Aligned, and 242 (28.2%) Not Aligned. Article 25 policies commonly addressed health insurance, drug benefits, continuing care, public health, health information, and consent. Article 26 policies addressed education, employment, accessibility, community living, assistive technology, and rehabilitation services. Few policies addressed children with disabilities. Relevance / Next Steps: Next, we will examine content specific to children with disabilities and families and develop recommendations for rights-based policy and program development.
Animator: Mahmoud AboAlfa
Salle : Auditorium Layton Hall
Description :
Introduction: Musculoskeletal rehabilitation, particularly for low back pain, remains fragmented despite recommendations supporting biopsychosocial and function-focused care. Clinicians often lack a structured framework that integrates assessment, clinical reasoning, and rehabilitation within an International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)-aligned model. Objective: To develop the Functional Integrated Rehabilitation Model – Five Domains (FIRM-5), an evidence-informed and ICF-informed framework that supports integrated clinical reasoning, person-centered assessment, and rehabilitation. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Six databases and major guideline repositories were searched (2000-2025). Sixty-six eligible sources were included, encompassing clinical practice guidelines, systematic reviews, randomized trials, empirical studies, and conceptual publications. Evidence was synthesized using a structured inductive evidence-to-framework process, followed by ICF-informed conceptual alignment. Results: Five interconnected domains were identified: (1) History, Pain Profile and Early Patient Education; (2) Movement Examination and Mechanical Treatment; (3) Movement Control and Functional Examination and Retraining; (4) Repeated Movement Testing and Directional Preference Therapy; and (5) Pain and Disability Drivers. The framework demonstrated strong conceptual alignment with ICF components while integrating key rehabilitation concepts into a single operational structure. Conclusion/Next Steps: FIRM-5 provides a practical multidomain framework for organizing comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment and rehabilitation. Planned next steps include international expert content evaluation, framework refinement, and knowledge translation activities to support future clinical implementation.
Animator: Guseva Elena
Salle : Auditorium Layton Hall
Description :
Introduction: Hearing and vision loss are associated with increased dementia risk, yet older adults with sensory impairments may encounter barriers when accessing digital brain health interventions. Accessible approaches to dementia risk reduction are needed to support equitable participation in preventive healthcare. Objective: SENSE–Brain Health Pro (SENSE–BHPro) aims to evaluate changes in dementia knowledge and explore self-efficacy, usability, technology acceptance, and barriers and facilitators associated with a digital dementia risk-reduction intervention among older adults with sensory loss. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study aims to recruit approximately 300 adults aged 55 years and older with mild-to-moderate vision loss, hearing loss, or dual sensory loss, without diagnosed dementia. Participants will engage with the Brain Health Pro digital platform, which provides education on modifiable dementia risk factors. Assessments are scheduled at baseline, three months, and six months, with an optional 12-month follow-up. The primary outcome is dementia knowledge, measured using the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale. Secondary and exploratory measures assess self-efficacy, usability, technology acceptance, and perceived barriers and facilitators. Anticipated Outcomes: The study will examine changes in dementia knowledge and generate evidence about participants’ experiences using a digital brain health intervention in the context of sensory loss. Conclusion: Findings may inform more accessible digital health education and support the integration of dementia risk-reduction strategies into rehabilitation and preventive care services.
Animator: Marina AlBada
Numéro de l’affiche :
Salle :
Description :
Introduction: Learning Health Systems (LHS) use routinely collected healthcare data to generate knowledge, improve clinical decision-making, and support continuous improvement in patient outcomes. However, healthcare organizations vary in their readiness to implement LHS approaches. The LHS Readiness Measure, developed by the BRILLIANT Lab, aims to identify organizational strengths and gaps across four domains: performance-to-data, data-to-knowledge, knowledge-to-performance, and LHS core values. Objectives: This project aims to refine and validate the LHS Readiness Measure and evaluate its practical application in healthcare organizations to support evidence-informed decision-making and organizational improvement. Methodology: A sequential mixed-methods study will be conducted across healthcare organizations in Canada, the UAE, and Switzerland. First, cognitive interviews will refine the questionnaire, followed by psychometric testing to assess its validity, reliability, interpretability, and feasibility. The validated measure will then be implemented through the BRILLIANT digital platform to generate organizational readiness profiles. Qualitative interviews will explore how organizations interpret and use the results to inform action plans. Repeated assessments will examine changes in readiness where feasible. Anticipated Results: The project will deliver a validated, practical assessment tool that helps organizations identify readiness gaps, prioritize improvements, and monitor progress toward LHS implementation. Conclusion: This innovation will support healthcare organizations in translating readiness assessments into actionable strategies to strengthen learning capacity, improve decision-making, and ultimately contribute to better patient outcomes.
Animator: Nicolas Vaillancourt
Salle : Auditorium Layton Hall
Description :
ontexte : L’élastographie par ondes de cisaillement (SWE) permet de quantifier la rigidité tendineuse. Cependant, les études rapportent des résultats contradictoires entre les tendons achilléen et rotulien. Comprendre leurs altérations mécaniques respectives est essentiel pour déterminer la pertinence clinique de la SWE. Objectif : Comparer les caractéristiques morphologiques, vasculaires et mécaniques des tendons achilléen et rotulien symptomatiques et asymptomatiques par échographie en mode B, Doppler et SWE. Méthodes : Une revue systématique avec méta-analyse a été réalisée. Les différences moyennes standardisées (DMS) et les rapports de cotes (RC) ont été calculés avec des modèles à effets aléatoires. Résultats : Au total, 44 études ont été incluses. Les tendons symptomatiques présentaient une épaisseur (DMS = 1,66 ; IC 95 % : 1,37 à 1,95) et une aire de section transversale (DMS = 2,29 ; IC 95 % : 1,66 à 2,93) supérieures, une échogénicité réduite (DMS = -1,67 ; IC 95 % : -2,44 à -0,91) et une néovascularisation plus grande (RC = 17,85 ; IC 95 % : 9,01 à 35,33). Toutefois, la SWE révélait des résultats opposés. La rigidité achilléenne était inférieure à celle des contrôles (DMS = -1,54 ; p = 0,002) et du tendon controlatéral asymptomatique (DMS = -1,12 ; p = 0,04). La rigidité rotulienne était supérieure à celle des contrôles (DMS = 1,20 ; p < 0,00001), sans différence significative avec le tendon controlatéral (DMS = -2,65 ; p = 0,49). Conclusion : Les altérations de rigidité semblent différer entre les deux tendons, soulignant l’importance de standardiser les protocoles d’imageries et d’interpréter les mesures de SWE selon le tendon.
Animator: Angèle Sauzet
Salle : Cafeteria C133
Description :
Introduction : Les compétences en littératie alimentaire sont fréquemment altérées chez les personnes atteintes de troubles neurologiques, ce qui compromet leur autonomie au quotidien. Plusieurs besoins, exprimés par les personnes concernées (Sauzet et al., 2026), permettent de créer des accompagnements adaptés pour favoriser la participation dans ces activités et décharger les personnes aidantes. Gusto 2.0, une intervention culinaire innovante, a été offerte aux personnes atteintes de lésions cérébrales acquises ou de maladies neuro-évolutives. Objectif : 1) Etudier la faisabilité et l’acceptabilité de Gusto 2.0 et 2) explorer ses effets préliminaires sur les compétences en littératie alimentaire et les fonctions exécutives. Méthode : Etude menée auprès de 10 adultes présentant des troubles neurologiques hétérogènes. 1) Faisabilité par l’évaluation des taux de recrutement, de rétention et d’adhésion ; l’acceptabilité par le questionnaire du Cadre Théorique d’Acceptabilité. 2) Étude pré-post à l’aide du COPM, du GAS, du Cooking Task et d’évaluations neuropsychologiques. Résultats : 1) Le recrutement a atteint 62,5 %, tandis que la rétention (100 %) et l’adhésion (99,2 %) ont dépassé les critères prédéfinis. L’acceptabilité a été jugée élevée dans tous les domaines. 2) La performance et la satisfaction occupationnelles liées à la cuisine, l’atteinte des objectifs et la performance au Cooking Task ont montré des effets significatifs ; aucun changement significatif n’a été constaté au niveau des mesures neuropsychologiques. Conclusion : L’intervention Gusto 2.0 s’est avérée faisable et bien acceptée. L’amélioration des compétences fonctionnelles en littératie alimentaire des personnes participantes est prometteuse, justifiant une étude d’efficacité à plus grande échelle.
Animator : Neha Gupta
Salle : Cafeteria C133
Description :
Introduction: Motor learning is essential for skill acquisition in young wheelchair basketball players. The structure of practice, particularly the level of contextual interference (CI), may influence skill retention and transfer. Objectives: To examine the preliminary effects of different contextual interference practice schedules on passing accuracy and wheelchair mobility performance in young wheelchair basketball players. Methodology: Seventeen young wheelchair basketball players (median age: 13 years) were randomly assigned to one of three practice groups. Participants completed six training sessions involving three wheelchair mobility drills and three passing drills. Primary outcomes were passing accuracy and wheelchair mobility performance, assessed at pre-test, immediate retention, delayed retention, and transfer tests. Within-group changes were analyzed using Friedman tests, and between-group differences using Kruskal–Wallis H tests. Results: All groups improved over time in passing accuracy and wheelchair mobility performance. The random practice group demonstrated improvements in delayed retention and transfer of passing accuracy (χ²(3) = 20.56, p < 0.001). No significant between-group differences were observed in mobility performance. Conclusion: The effects of contextual interference may vary by task in young wheelchair basketball players. Random practice showed promising results for the delayed retention and transfer of passing accuracy, while wheelchair mobility performance improved similarly across practice schedules. These preliminary findings highlight the potential value of considering task-specific practice schedules in adapted sport and rehabilitation. Larger, adequately powered studies are needed to determine whether different practice schedules offer meaningful advantages for motor learning.
Animator: Emma Bradshaw
Room : Cafeteria C133
Description :
“Background: Emerging evidence suggests that meaningful community participation may itself improve motor, cognitive, and emotional functioning; however, research examining these broader effects remains limited. Objectives: Project BEYOND (Body-function Enhancement for YOuth through participatioN in real-worlD contexts) examines whether participation in chosen activities improves motor, behavioural, and emotional functions among youth aged 8–18 years with physical disabilities. Methods: Following the Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP) intervention, 69 youth with mobility restrictions from Quebec and Ontario participated in an 8-week community activity of choice. Examples include swimming, volunteering on a horse farm, video editing or reading at the library with a friend. Occupational therapists worked with youth, families, educators, and community partners to address environmental barriers and strengthen participation supports. Outcomes were tailored to each activity and include motor (e.g., strength), behavioural (e.g., attention problems), emotional (e.g., anxiety), and activity performance and satisfaction. Repeated measures before and throughout intervention document individualized change trajectories. Post-intervention interviews with youth, parents, and community instructors explore experiences, implementation challenges, and success factors. Results: Available data of 3 youth aged 14, 15 and 16 who completed the intervention will be introduced. Specifically, changes in body functions over time will be shared alongside youth, parent, and instructor testimonials. Expected Impact: Project BEYOND aims to advance understanding of how meaningful real-world participation can support physical, emotional, and social development while promoting inclusion and successful transitions. Findings may help clinicians, families, and policymakers identify rehabilitation approaches that simultaneously enhance participation and broader functional outcomes.”
Animateur/Animatrice : Shahin Saeideh
Roon : Cafeteria C133
Description :
The Youth, Young adult Participation and Environment Measure (Y-PEM) is a self-reported standardized measure that comprehensively captures participation and environmental factors that affect participation at home, school, community, and the workplace among individuals aged 12-30. Objective: To report its psychometric properties among Canadians with physical disability. Method: Young people with and without physical disabilities (n=113) aged 12 to 31 (x̄ = 23) mainly from Quebec completed the Y-PEM using an online survey. To examine construct validity, differences in participation levels and environmental barriers/facilitators were examined between those with (n=56) and without disabilities (n=57), matched by age and sex, via t-test. Internal consistency was computed using Cronbach’s alpha. To examine test-retest reliability, a sub-sample of 70 participants completed the Y-PEM a second time, 2 to 4 weeks apart, and the Interclass correlation (ICC) was calculated. Results: Internal consistency ranged between 0.71 and 0.82 across all scales except for home (0.52) and workplace frequency (0.61). Test-retest reliability ranged between 0.70 and 0.85 across all settings except for environmental supports at school (0.66) and workplace frequency (0.43). Descriptively, participants with disabilities had lower levels of frequency and involvement across all four settings with significant differences in all scales at the home and fewer scales in the community and workplace. To date, the Y-PEM has been tested effectively among youth with various disability categories, such as physical disability, vision impairment, acquired brain injury, neuromuscular diseases, and developmental coordination disorder, and translated into 9 languages across 5 continents.
Animator: Mahmoud AboAlfa
Salle : Cafeteria C133
Description :
Introduction: Musculoskeletal rehabilitation, particularly for low back pain, remains fragmented despite recommendations supporting biopsychosocial and function-focused care. Clinicians often lack a structured framework that integrates assessment, clinical reasoning, and rehabilitation within an International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)-aligned model. Objective: To develop the Functional Integrated Rehabilitation Model – Five Domains (FIRM-5), an evidence-informed and ICF-informed framework that supports integrated clinical reasoning, person-centered assessment, and rehabilitation. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Six databases and major guideline repositories were searched (2000-2025). Sixty-six eligible sources were included, encompassing clinical practice guidelines, systematic reviews, randomized trials, empirical studies, and conceptual publications. Evidence was synthesized using a structured inductive evidence-to-framework process, followed by ICF-informed conceptual alignment. Results: Five interconnected domains were identified: (1) History, Pain Profile and Early Patient Education; (2) Movement Examination and Mechanical Treatment; (3) Movement Control and Functional Examination and Retraining; (4) Repeated Movement Testing and Directional Preference Therapy; and (5) Pain and Disability Drivers. The framework demonstrated strong conceptual alignment with ICF components while integrating key rehabilitation concepts into a single operational structure. Conclusion/Next Steps: FIRM-5 provides a practical multidomain framework for organizing comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment and rehabilitation. Planned next steps include international expert content evaluation, framework refinement, and knowledge translation activities to support future clinical implementation.
Animator: Ezinne Ekediegwu
Room: Cafeteria C133
Description :
Maintaining cognitive ability is essential for active aging, yet supports are most often introduced only after decline. This project developed and refined a policy brief promoting early, community-based approaches informed by research and lived experience. Using stakeholder feedback from older adults, caregivers, clinicians, and policymakers, the brief highlights both established and under-recognized factors such as resilience, fatigue, etc. Findings emphasize the need for sustained, accessible community programs and practical tools to support early action. This work positions cognitive ability promotion as maintenance and preventive infrastructure to enhance quality of life, reduce hospital burden, and advance equitable aging policy. This project focuses on helping people maintain brain health as they age by supporting them earlier, not just after problems begin. A policy brief was developed using research and feedback from older adults, caregivers, and professionals. It highlights the importance of staying active, connected, and mentally engaged. The findings call for subsidised, accessible culturally-responsive community programs to help people stay independent and reduce pressure on the healthcare system.
Animator: Hamidreza Aminparvin
Room: Corridor E1
Description:
Animator: Hamidreza Aminparvin
Room: Corridor E1
Description :
Animator: Arthur Filleul
Room: Corridor E1
Description :
Animator: Jade Shen-Moreau
Room: Corridor E1
Description :
Animator: Kate McClurg
Room: Corridor E1
Description :
Animator: Mickael Santos-Kouchak
Room: Corridor E1
Description :
Animator: Alicia Wright
Room: Corridor E1
Description :
Animator: Sébastien Finlay
Room: Corridor E1
Description :
Introduction : L’introduction du Mini-KIDS, une approche d’intervention orthophonique pour les enfants d’âge préscolaire qui bégaient, soulève des enjeux d’intégration aux pratiques cliniques au Québec. Cette étude visait à identifier et prioriser des stratégies susceptibles d’en soutenir l’implantation. Méthodologie : Une démarche de cartographie conceptuelle participative a été menée auprès d’orthophonistes québécoises formées au Mini-KIDS. Les participantes ont généré des idées (n = 20), trié les énoncés selon leur similarité (n = 16), puis évalué leur importance et leur faisabilité sur des échelles de 1 à 5 (n = 22). Résultats : Au total, 51 stratégies ont été identifiées et réparties en six regroupements : formation et développement des compétences (importance : 4,35; faisabilité : 3,52), codéveloppement et mutualisation des ressources (3,95; 3,80), outils et repères pour la pratique clinique (3,59; 3,64), information et aide au choix des familles (3,83; 3,77), engagement des familles dans l’intervention (3,84; 4,18), et mobilisation du milieu et conditions organisationnelles (3,97; 3,10). Le développement des compétences présentait l’importance moyenne la plus élevée. Un feuillet explicatif destiné aux parents figurait parmi les stratégies les mieux évaluées (4,41; 4,82), alors que l’accès à un nombre suffisant de séances dans le réseau public présentait le plus grand écart entre importance et faisabilité (4,82; 1,59). Discussion : Ces résultats mettent en lumière des leviers concrets pour soutenir l’implantation du Mini-KIDS. Ils guideront la sélection et le développement de stratégies d’implantation adaptées aux réalités des orthophonistes québécoises.
Animator: Regina Visca
Room: Corridor E1
Description :
Animateur/Animatrice : Natasha Hassija
Room: Corridor E1
Description :
“Introduction: Walking is one of the most valued life activities, yet one in two older adults cannot walk well enough to reap its health benefits. Most falls occur while walking and poor walking is the leading cause of falls. Exercises can improve walking and reduce falls, but interventions are not accessible, sustained or sustainable. This study aims to contribute evidence supporting a technology-facilitated therapeutic walking program, Walk-BEST©, that focuses on improving gait biomechanics. Methods: This program was tested in Canada using a single-arm implementation trial. 48 community dwelling persons, 50 years and above with self-reported walking challenges were recruited from three community centers. Sequential assessments were conducted at study entry including questions on functional ability, sensor-based assessment of gait quality, walking capacity, balance and strength, repeated after four weeks of group-based exercises, and again after four weeks of at-home practice. Results: Of the 48 screened, 40 completed the group-exercise phase and 37 completed the at-home training with the wearable sensor. Of the 40 participants, a majority, 65% improved their walking capacity measured using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and gained on average 46 meters. Of the 37 participants, 45% maintained or further improved and gained on average 24 meters (a gain of every 35 meters reduces fall risk by 7%). Linear mixed-model analyses indicated significant improvements in gait quality parameters over time. Conclusion: Walk-BEST© is feasible and can be delivered through local community organizations. Although sustainability of the program is a challenge due to limited funding and resources”
Animator: Yasmine Kheloufi, Maddie Heleno
Room: Corridor E1
Description :
“Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that can impair speech and communication. AI voice cloning can create a synthetic voice resembling a person’s own voice, offering a potential way to preserve a personal voice for use with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies. Objectives: This study evaluates the user experience of AI voice cloning among people living with ALS in Quebec. It explores perceptions of voice naturalness, similarity to one’s own voice, expressiveness, and usability, as well as participants’ perspectives on using cloned voices for future communication. Methodology: A mixed-methods approach combines quantitative ratings and qualitative feedback. Participants evaluate cloned voices using user-experience measures and participate in semi-structured interviews. Study materials include validated reading tasks and user-experience questionnaires. Anticipated results: The study is expected to identify factors influencing the acceptability, usability, and personal significance of AI-cloned voices, including potential benefits and challenges for people living with ALS. Conclusion and next steps: Findings will inform future clinical guidance on integrating personalized AI voice cloning into AAC services and supporting the communication preferences of people living with ALS.”
Animator: Yara Mohiar
Room: Corridor E1
Description :
“Introduction: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can disrupt the ability to shift attention between locations efficiently. Attention can shift voluntarily towards a chosen location or involuntarily in response to a sudden peripheral event. Attention shift deficits may also arise from difficulties in suppressing attention towards an irrelevant location before redirecting it elsewhere voluntarily. Objective: The current study investigated the impact of mTBI on voluntary and involuntary attention shift times, with and without suppression demands. Methods: Twenty-seven participants that sustained an mTBI 1-18 months earlier were matched for age and sex with 27 healthy controls. Eight bars surrounding a fixation point independently and randomly rotated clockwise or counterclockwise at a fixed moment. Participants were asked to report the rotation direction of a target bar, which was either the bar randomly cued or the one located opposite to it (required suppressing attention and redirecting it voluntarily). The cue was either a central line extending from fixation that prompted a voluntary shift, or a peripheral circle surrounding the bar that prompted an involuntary shift. Attention shift time was measured by varying the cue’s presentation time relative to the moment bars rotated. Results: No effect of mTBI was observed when shifting attention involuntarily. For the three conditions in which voluntary attention was prompt, mTBI participants needed longer to shift attention than controls, whether suppression was involved or not. Conclusion: These results suggest mTBI affects voluntary attention shifts, while involuntary shifts and suppression are not or little affected. ”
Animator: Bita HojjatpanahMontazeri
Room: Corridor E1
Description :
“Background: The use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in cardiovascular care can support patient-centered care by enhancing patient engagement and shared decision-making. However, their implementation in routine clinical practice remains limited. This study evaluated the feasibility of implementing the PROMIS-10 Global Health questionnaire during the transition from hospital to home among patients admitted to a cardiovascular unit. Changes in PROMIS-10 scores over time and patterns across patient subgroups were also explored. Methods: A convergent mixed-methods feasibility study was conducted at a cardiovascular unit in a tertiary care hospital in Montreal, Canada. Initially, 304 patients were screened by the clinical team, from which 111 were identified as eligible and approached by the research team. Fifty-nine participants provided informed consent. Participants completed the ePROM at hospital discharge (T1) using a tablet and again one-month post-discharge (T2) via email, text, or telephone. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, retention, and completion rates. Qualitative semi-structured interviews (n=8) explored acceptability, usability, and perceived value of PROMs, with findings analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: The study achieved a 53.2% recruitment rate (59/111) and an 81.4% retention rate (48/59). Completion rates were high at T1 (98.3%) and T2 (100%). Global Physical Health scores improved significantly from 39.9 ± 9.3 at discharge to 44.4 ± 9.7 at follow-up (p = 0.004), while Mental Health scores showed a non-significant increase from 49.5 ± 8.2 at discharge to 51.4 ± 8.2 at follow-up (p = 0.113). Subgroup analyses revealed greater physical health recovery among males (p=0.002), participants <65 years (p=0.002), and those with a hospital stay >7 days (p=0.022). Qualitative findings demonstrated high acceptability and usability, with participants reporting that the ePROM promoted self-reflection and facilitated communication with healthcare providers. Conclusion: Implementation of ePROMs using the PROMIS-10 was feasible and acceptable to individuals with cardiovascular conditions during the transition from hospital to home. High completion and retention rates and positive patient experiences provided practical insights to support the future implementation of routine ePROM collection. Preliminary PROMIS-10 trends also highlighted variations in recovery across patients, supporting the potential value of ePROMs for monitoring recovery during cardiovascular care transitions. ”
Organizing Committee:
- Walter Wittich, Associate Professor, School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, CRIR Researcher
- Sara Ahmed, Full Professor, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, CRIR Researcher
- Frédérique Poncet, Institutional Researcher, Assistant Professor, School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, CRIR Researcher
- Shari Joseph, Coordinator, Rehabilitation Services (Miriam Home and Services)
- Gina Mills, Assistant to the Director, Directorate of Rehabilitation and Multidisciplinary Services
- Mark Demaine, Assistant Director, Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Physical Disabilities Rehabilitation and Multidisciplinary Services
- Thi Thanh Thao Dang, Physical Health Coordinator, Catherine Booth Hospital
- Erica Fagen, Planning, Programming and Research Officer (PPRO), CIUSSS West-Central Montreal
- Catherine Leblanc-Cormier, Program Manager, Home Rehabilitation Services
- Christina Da Costa, Physiotherapist, MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre
- Lucyna Maria Lach, Associate Professor, School of Social Work, McGill University
- Natalina Martiniello, Assistant Professor, School of Optometry, Université de Montréal
- Nancy Cox, Program Manager, Children’s Services (Ages 0-11)
- Caroline Pelletier, Assistant Director, Knowledge Mobilization and Academic Partnerships Directorate (DPAAS)
- Sharon O’Grady, Coordinator, Integrated Quality, Risk Management and User Partnership
- Hiba Messaoudi, Program Manager, Home Rehabilitation Services, Metro Sector, Glenmount UTRF, RI and Cross-Sector Projects
- Angele Sauzet, Student Representative, CRIR Axis 2
- Mahmoud AboAlfa, Student Representative, CRIR-CRLLM, Constance-Lethbridge Site
- Andréa Faust, Program Manager, Knowledge Mobilization and Academic Partnerships Directorate (DPAAS)
- Mushirah Hossenbaccus, Clinical Research Coordinator in Rehabilitation, Lethbridge-Layton-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre
- Naima Abbadi, Planning, Programming and Research Officer (PPRO), Lethbridge-Layton-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre
