STROKE patients are being asked to take part in a study to help give them more independence.

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have launched the study, funded with £10 million from the National Institute for Health Research, to look at alternative therapy for those who are keen to leave the house but have not got the confidence.

More than 150 stroke patients are needed to take part in the study. It will involve giving patients a targeted rehabilitation and outdoor mobility programme to boost their physical abilities. Their achievement will then be compared to patients not on the programme.

Dr Pip Logan, of the university's division of rehabilitation and ageing, said: "It is often the psychological barriers which are the toughest to overcome. For someone who has driven all their life up until their stroke, tackling public transport can seem extremely daunting."

To find out more call Jane Horne on 0115 8230274 or Janet Darby on 0115 8230225, or e-mail jane.horne@nottingham.ac.uk/janet.darby@nottingham.ac.uk