Therapy-based rehabilitation services for stroke patients at home

BACKGROUND

Stroke Unit care is now accepted as an effective service model for hospital care, but the effectiveness of outpatient care is less certain. This review focuses on therapy-based rehabilitation services targeted at stroke patients living at home.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of therapy-based rehabilitation services targeted towards stroke patient resident in the community within one year of stroke onset/ discharge from hospital following stroke.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched November 2001). In addition we searched the following electronic databases: the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2001), MEDLINE (1996 - Nov 2001), EMBASE (1980 - Nov 2001), CINAHL (1983 - Nov 2001), PsycINFO (1967 - Nov 2001), AMED (1985 - Nov 2001), Wilson Social Sciences Abstracts (1984-Nov 2001), Science Citation Index and Social Sciences Citation Index (1981-Nov 2001). Other strategies to ensure identification of all potentially relevant trials included scanning reference lists of relevant articles and original papers, personal communication and hand searching journals.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All unconfounded, truly randomised controlled trials of stroke patients resident in the community receiving a therapy service intervention, which was compared to conventional or no care. Therapy services were those provided by physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or multidisciplinary staff working with patients primarily to improve task-orientated behaviour (e.g. walking, dressing) and hence increase activity and participation.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently selected trials and extracted data on a number of prespecified outcomes. The primary outcomes were the proportion of patients who had deteriorated or were dependent in personal activities of daily living and performance in personal activities of daily living at the end of follow-up.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified a heterogeneous group of 14 trials including 1617 patients. Therapy-based rehabilitation services reduced the odds of a poor outcome (Peto odds ratio 0.72 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.92; P = 0.009) and increased personal activity of daily living scores (standardised mean difference 0.14 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.25; P = 0.02). For every 100 stroke patients resident in the community receiving therapy-based rehabilitation services, 7 (95% CI 2 to 11) patients would be spared a poor outcome, assuming 37.5% would have had a poor outcome with no treatment.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

Therapy-based rehabilitation services targeted towards stroke patients living at home appear to improve independence in personal activities of daily living. However, the evidence is derived from a review of heterogeneous interventions and therefore further exploration of the interventions is justifiable.

Physiotherapy for patients with mobility problems more than 1 year after stroke: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Community physiotherapy is often prescribed for stroke patients with long-term mobility problems. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of this treatment in patients who had mobility problems 1 year after stroke.

METHODS

We screened 359 patients older than 50 years for a single-masked, randomised controlled trial to assess the effects of community physiotherapy. Assessments were made at baseline, 3, 6, and 9 months in 170 eligible patients assigned treatment or no intervention. The primary outcome measure was mobility measured by the Rivermead mobility index. Secondary outcome measures were gait speed, number of falls, daily activity (Barthel index scores), social activity (Frenchay activities index), hospital anxiety and depression scale, and emotional stress of carers (general health questionnaire 28). Analyses were by intention to treat.

FINDINGS

Follow-up was available for 146 patients (86%). Changes in scores on the Rivermead mobility index (score range 0-15) differed significantly between treatment and control groups at 3 months (p=0.018), but only by a median of 1 point (95% CI 0-1), with an interpolated value of 0.55 (0.08-1.04). Gait speed was 2.6 m/min (0.30-4.95) higher in the treatment group at 3 months. Neither treatment effect persisted at 6-months' and 9-months' follow-up. Treatment had no effect on patients' daily activity, social activity, anxiety, depression, and number of falls, or on emotional stress of carers.

INTERPRETATION

Community physiotherapy treatment for patients with mobility problems 1 year after stroke leads to significant, but clinically small, improvements in mobility and gait speed that are not sustained after treatment ends.

A multicentre randomized controlled trial of leisure therapy and conventional occupational therapy after stroke. TOTAL Study Group. Trial of Occupational Therapy and Leisure

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of leisure therapy and conventional occupational therapy (OT) on the mood, leisure participation and independence in activities of daily living (ADL) of stroke patients 6 and 12 months after hospital discharge.

DESIGN

Multicentre randomized controlled trial.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Four hundred and sixty-six stroke patients from five UK centres.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The General Health Questionnaire (12 item), the Nottingham Extended ADL Scale and the Nottingham Leisure Questionnaire, assessed by post, with telephone clarification.

RESULTS

Four hundred and forty (94%) and 426 (91%) subjects were alive at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Three hundred and seventy-four (85% of survivors) and 311 (78% of survivors) responded at 6 and 12 month follow-up respectively. At six months and compared to the control group, those allocated to leisure therapy had nonsignificantly better GHQ scores (-1.2: 95% CI -2.9, +0.5), leisure scores (+0.7, 95% CI -1.1, +2.5) and Extended ADL scores (+0.4: 95% CI -3.8, +4.5): the ADL group had nonsignificantly better GHQ scores (-0.1: 95% CI -1.8, +1.7) and Extended ADL scores (+1.4: 95% CI -2.9, +5.6) and nonsignificantly worse leisure scores (-0.3: 95% CI -2.1, +1.6). The results at 12 months were similar.

CONCLUSION

In contrast to the findings of previous smaller trials, neither of the additional OT treatments showed a clear beneficial effect on mood, leisure activity or independence in ADL measured at 6 or 12 months.

Benefit of an extended stroke unit service with early supported discharge: A randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Several trials have shown that stroke unit care improves outcome for stroke patients. The aim of the present trial was to evaluate the effects of an extended stroke unit service (ESUS), with early supported discharge, cooperation with the primary healthcare system, and more emphasis on rehabilitation at home as essential elements.

METHODS

In a randomized, controlled trial, 160 patients with acute stroke were allocated to the ESUS and 160 to the ordinary stroke unit service (OSUS). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who were independent as assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (RS) (RS </=2=global independence) and independent in activities of daily living (ADL) as assessed by Barthel Index (BI) (BI >/=95=independent in ADL) after 26 weeks. Secondary outcomes were RS and BI scores after 6 weeks; the proportion of patients at home, in institutions, and deceased after 6 and 26 weeks; and the length of stay in institutions.

RESULTS

After 26 weeks, 65.0% in the ESUS versus 51.9% in the OSUS group showed global independence (RS </=2) (P:=0.017), while 60.0% in the ESUS versus 49.4% in the OSUS group were independent in ADL (BI >/=95) (P:=0.056). The odds ratios for independence (ESUS versus OSUS) were as follows: RS, 1.72 (95% CI, 1.10 to 2.70); BI, 1.54 (95% CI, 0.99 to 2.39). At 6 weeks, 54.4% of the ESUS group and 45. 6% of the OSUS group were independent according to RS (P:=0.118), and 56.3% versus 48.8% were independent according to BI (P:=0.179). The proportion of patients at home after 6 weeks was 74.4% for ESUS and 55.6% for OSUS (P:=0.0004), and the proportion in institutions was 23.1% versus 40.0%, respectively (P:=0.001). After 26 weeks, 78. 8% in the ESUS group versus 73.1% in the OSUS were at home (P:=0. 239), while 13.1% versus 17.5% were in institutions (P:=0.277). The mortality in the 2 groups did not differ. Average lengths of stay in an institution were 18.6 days in the ESUS and 31.1 days in the OSUS group (P:=0.0324).

CONCLUSIONS

An ESUS with early supported discharge seems to improve functional outcome and to reduce the length of stay in institutions compared with traditional stroke unit care.

The scope for community based intervention in stroke rehabilitation

The aftermath of stroke is commonly managed in the community, often exclusively by the GP. However, a significant proportion of community stroke patients have considerable impairments and disabilities which often go undetected and consequently untreated by the primary healthcare team. This article describes and quantifies the disabilities experienced by stroke patients living in the community and reviews the evidence for community rehabilitation. The roles of the occupational therapist and community nurse in the management of stroke rehabilitation are discussed. The authors conclude that an opportunity exists for better collaboration between the occupational therapist and the community nurse.

Rehabilitation needs of community stroke patients

PURPOSE

The aim was to identify stroke patients not admitted to hospital, to assess their disabilities and the rehabilitation provided.

METHOD

Stroke patients were notified by General Practitioners, assessed a month after stroke on measures of impairment and disability and the rehabilitation received was recorded. There were 124 patients notified and 93 assessed.

RESULTS

Patients showed an average decline of 1.7 on the Barthel Index and 3.6 on the Extended Activities of Daily Living scale from before to after stroke. There were 27% with severe mobility problems and 47% with clinically relevant arm impairment. Many patients had cognitive impairment with only 9% having no deficit. Mood problems were less common with 26% anxious and 13% depressed. Significant stress occurred in 15% of carers. The provision of rehabilitation was low and there was poor correspondence between impairments and services provided.

CONCLUSION

There is an unmet potential for rehabilitation in stroke patients not admitted to hospital.

A randomized controlled trial of enhanced Social Service occupational therapy for stroke patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether stroke patients referred to the Social Service occupational therapy service would benefit from an enhanced service compared to the usual service.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled study allocating patients to the enhanced service or the usual service.

SUBJECTS

Stroke patients discharged home from hospital and referred to Social Service occupational therapy department.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The sections and total score from the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale (EADL), the Barthel Index, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the number of pieces of equipment provided were analysed.

RESULTS

One hundred and eleven stroke patients were recruited to this study. Fifty-three were randomly allocated to the enhanced service and 58 to the usual service. Patients receiving the enhanced service were seen more quickly after referral, for longer, and received significantly more visits (p < 0.01) than those receiving the usual service. Three months after entry to the study the enhanced service group had better EADL (p < 0.01) than the usual service group. This benefit remained significant in only the mobility section of the EADL at six months. Careers of the stroke patients in the enhanced group had lower GHQ scores (p < 0.05) than those in the usual group at six months.

CONCLUSIONS

This trial supports the use of domiciliary occupational therapy for stroke patients after discharge from hospital in terms of improvements in functional outcomes in the short term, but the long-term benefits remain unclear.