More than financial support, a real opportunity for Élie Fiogbé

This two-year, $45,000 grant will enable her to carry out the project Integration of a respiratory muscle training program facilitated by telerehabilitation: a proof-of-concept study in a population suffering from myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Thank you to Desjardins for supporting the next generation of researchers!

"Thanks to the postdoctoral fellowship from the Centre de recherche du CHUS, I am making significant progress in my research on myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), a rare neuromuscular disease that poses substantial clinical challenges. This fellowship is essential to the success of my project, which aims to develop innovative and accessible therapeutic interventions to enhance the quality of life for individuals with DM1.

From a scientific perspective, the fellowship allows me to fully leverage my expertise in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and respiratory function assessment—fields critical for managing DM1, where respiratory complications are the leading cause of mortality. With the support provided by this fellowship, I can advance my research on heart rate variability and complexity, respiratory muscle strength, and the application of spirometry for patient monitoring. These competencies will help me design targeted respiratory rehabilitation programs to address the specific needs of DM1 patients and prevent the decline of their respiratory function.

Beyond the clinical aspect, the fellowship also provides me with the resources to explore innovative solutions to the challenges of accessibility to care faced by DM1 patients. Many patients experience limited access to rehabilitation programs due to factors such as distance, cost, or difficulties traveling to health centers. My project aims to address these barriers by developing (tele)rehabilitation programs that allow patients to receive treatment at home. This telehealth component is even more crucial in the current post-pandemic context, where remote care options have become essential.

Additionally, this fellowship offers me the opportunity to collaborate with world-renowned researchers, including DM1 specialist Prof. Cynthia Gagnon and strength-training program expert Prof. Élise Duchesne. Their expertise complements my own and fosters a unique synergy within our research team. Together, we can not only improve clinical outcomes for patients but also develop scalable and accessible solutions.

In summary, this fellowship is more than just financial support; it is a true opportunity for me to conduct high-impact research, propose practical solutions to the challenges of DM1, and make a meaningful difference in patients' lives. With this support, I am optimistic about making a lasting contribution to advancing knowledge and improving care for people with this disease."

- Élie Fiogbé