Stroke Publications and Advances in Recovery
SPARC Journal Club
Stroke Publications and Advances in Recovery (SPARC) is a collaborative platform within the Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases focused on stroke recovery and rehabilitation research.
SPARC brings together clinicians, therapists, researchers, trainees, and collaborators to discuss emerging publications, exchange perspectives, and explore evolving strategies in stroke rehabilitation and recovery.
To learn more or receive future invites, please email Assol Kavtorina
Upcoming Meetings
Join the Next SPARC Discussion
Join the Stroke Publications and Advances in Recovery Club for discussions featuring current research in stroke rehabilitation, recovery, and clinical innovation.
Structural Reserve and Motor Recovery After Stroke
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Time: 12:00–1:00 PM CDT
Presenter: Lukas J. Volz, MD, PhD, Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Germany
CEU Credits: Available for physical therapists. A survey link will be provided.
Lecture Recordings & Archive
Past SPARC Journal Club Sessions
View previous SPARC discussions featuring invited speakers, recent publications, and research focused on stroke rehabilitation, recovery outcomes, and clinical innovation.
July 28, 2026
Structural Reserve and Motor Recovery After Stroke
Speaker: Lukas J. Volz, MD, PhD, Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Germany.
This session explored structural reserve and its relationship to motor recovery after stroke, with a focus on understanding differences in rehabilitation outcomes.
June 23, 2026
The Role of AI in Supporting Written Communication in Aphasia: A Qualitative Interview Study
Guest speakers: Dr. Ava Robinson and Dr. Lindsey Thiel, Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom.
This session examined the potential role of artificial intelligence in supporting written communication for people with aphasia, drawing on findings from a qualitative interview study.
March 11, 2026
Aphasia Rehabilitation Outcomes
Speaker: Dr. Jenna Griffin-Musick, PhD, CCC-SLP, Assistant Professor, School of Speech, Language, Hearing, and Occupational Sciences at the University of Montana.
This session featured Dr. Jenna Griffin-Musick discussing her recent study comparing intensive and usual care models in aphasia rehabilitation, with a focus on patient outcomes and treatment effectiveness.
February 11, 2026
Walking Recovery Outcomes in Stroke Rehabilitation
Speaker: Dr. Sue Peters, PhD, Assistant Professor, School of Physical Therapy at Western University, Canada.
This session featured Dr. Sue Peters discussing her recent study evaluating the Walk ’n Watch structured, progressive exercise protocol for inpatient stroke rehabilitation, with a focus on walking recovery, mobility, and patient outcomes across multiple clinical sites.