Upon completing her post-doctoral training, Eng accepted a professorship position in the University of British Columbia's Department of Physical Therapy. During her early tenure at the institution, Eng developed a rehabilitation program to assist stroke survivors and she received the Jonas Salk Award from the March of Dimes Canada for her efforts.[3] Her research team devised the Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program which consisted of a set of exercises for the arm and hand to improve recovery of arm function in stroke patients.[4] She also developed the Fitness and Mobility Exercise (FAME) evidence-based exercise program to assist people recovering from a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, MS and frail older adults. It has been shown to improve strength, balance, cardiovascular fitness, bone density and reduce falls in people working to regain mobility following neurological injury.[5] The YWCA Vancouver awarded Eng with the 2010 YWCA Women of Distinction Award in the category of Health and Active Living.[6]
In 2015, Eng was the recipient of a Canadian Institutes of Health Research grant to fund her rehabilitative program research to aid stroke survivors.[7] She also received the 2015 Distinguished Medical Lecturer Award in Clinical Sciences.[8] In 2016, Eng was awarded a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair for being "recognized as a leader in rehabilitation research."[9]
In 2019, Eng established the Exoskeleton for post-Stroke Recovery of Ambulation (ExStRA) study to use a robotic exoskeleton for early walking practice after a stroke.[10] She also co-led a Canadian Institute for Health Research study which paired outpatients with coaches to prevent a second stroke. Within the first six months, patients were shown to have lower blood pressure and made healthier lifestyle choices.[11]
