Feasibility of a self-management intervention to improve mobility in the community after stroke (SIMS): A mixed-methods pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of implementing a self-management intervention to improve mobility in the community for stroke survivors.

METHODS

A two-phase sequential mixed methods design was used (a pilot randomised controlled trial and focus groups). Participants were adult stroke survivors within six months post discharge from hospital with functional and cognitive capacity for self-management. The intervention included education sessions, goal setting and action planning, group sessions, self-monitoring and follow up. The control group received usual care and both groups enrolled for 3 months in the study. Feasibility outcomes (recruitment and retention rates, randomisation and blinding, adherence to the intervention, collection of outcome measures, and the fidelity and acceptability of the intervention). Participants assessed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months for functional mobility and walking, self-efficacy, goal attainment, cognitive ability, and general health. A descriptive analysis was done for quantitative data and content analysis for the qualitative data. Findings of quantitative and qualitative data were integrated to present the final results of the study.

RESULTS

Twenty-four participants were recruited and randomised into two groups (12 each). It was feasible to recruit from hospital and community and to deliver the intervention remotely. Randomisation and blinding were successful. Participants were retained (83%) at 3 months and (79.2%) at 6 months assessments. Adherence to the intervention varied due to multiple factors. Focus groups discussed participants' motivations for joining the programme, their perspectives on the intervention (fidelity and acceptability) and methodology, perceived improvements in mobility, facilitators and challenges for self-management, and suggestions for improvement.

CONCLUSION

The self-management intervention seems feasible for implementation for stroke survivors in the community. Participants appreciated the support provided and perceived improvement in their mobility. The study was not powered enough to draw a conclusion about the efficacy of the program and a future full-scale study is warranted.

Enhancing patient self-management after a first stroke: An application of the wearable devices and the health management platform

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke disability restricts a patient's physical activity, affects the patient's quality of life, and leads to higher medical costs. Therefore, it is essential to promote patients' continuous exercise during this period of recovery.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of applying a health management platform combined with wearable devices to enhance stroke patients' self-management of recovery and to allow comparisons with active care intervention management.

METHOD

This quasi-experimental study aimed at examining those participants who had sustained a stroke for the first time. A 90-day experiment was implemented with the intervention of monitoring and active care from the researchers who also interviewed the selected participants at the end of the study. A total of 26 participants were examined (14 in the experimental group and 12 in the control group).

RESULT

The participants in the experimental group made significant progress between the pre- and post-tests. Firstly, their six-minute walking distance improved by 89.5 m (p < 0.001). Secondly, their sit-to-stand transfers in 60 s improved 2.85 times (p = 0.017), and their Berg balance test improved by 6.36 points (p = 0.003). Finally, the Partners in Health scale (PIH) scores also improved. According to the data collected in the interviews, the researchers' intervention improved the patients' self-management ability.

CONCLUSION

The short-term physical performance in the experimental group after the intervention was better than that in the control group. In clinical practice, it is suggested that continuous interaction between medical staff and patients be sustained while applying wearable devices to promote the patient's self-management ability.

Walk the Talk: Current Evidence for Walking Recovery After Stroke, Future Pathways and a Mission for Research and Clinical Practice

Achieving safe, independent, and efficient walking is a top priority for stroke survivors to enable quality of life and future health. This narrative review explores the state of the science in walking recovery after stroke and potential for development. The importance of targeting walking capacity and performance is explored in relation to individual stroke survivor gait recovery, applying a common language, measurement, classification, prediction, current and future intervention development, and health care delivery. Findings are summarized in a model of current and future stroke walking recovery research and a mission statement is set for researchers and clinicians to drive the field forward to improve the lives of stroke survivors and their carers.

Adjustable Parameters and the Effectiveness of Adjunct Robot-Assisted Gait Training in Individuals with Chronic Stroke

The aims of this study were (1) to compare the effect of robot-assisted gait orthosis (RAGO) plus conventional physiotherapy with the effect of conventional therapy alone on functional outcomes, including balance, walking ability, muscle strength, daily activity, and cognition, in chronic stroke patients, and (2) to determine the association of adjustable parameters of RAGO on functional outcomes. Adjustable parameters of RAGO included guidance force, treadmill speed, and body-weight support. This retrospective cohort study enrolled 32 patients with chronic stroke. Of these, 16 patients received RAGO plus conventional physiotherapy (RAGO group), and 16 patients received conventional physiotherapy alone (control group). Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale, walking ability using the Functional Ambulation Category, muscle strength using the Motricity Index, daily activity using the Barthel Index, and cognition using the Mini-Mental State Examination. The scores were assessed before and after training. The Mini–Mental State Examination and the Berg Balance Scale increased significantly in both groups, whereas improvements in the Motricity Index and the Barthel Index were only observed in the RAGO group after intervention. During RAGO training, reducing guidance force and body-weight support assistance was associated with improvements in the Barthel Index, whereas higher treadmill walking speed was associated with improvements in the Berg Balance Scale. Our study found that RAGO combination therapy resulted in improvements in more functional outcomes than did conventional training alone. The adjustable parameters of the RAGO training were partly associated with training outcomes.

Stroke survivors' perceptions of participating in a high repetition arm training trial early after stroke

PURPOSE

The study explored the acceptability of high repetition arm training as part of a randomised controlled trial, early after stroke, when fatigue levels and emotional strain are often high.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

36 sub-acute stroke survivors (61 years+/-15) attended for assessment sessions at 3, 6, and 12 weeks after stroke. Individuals were randomised to receive 6 high repetition arm training sessions between 3 and 6 weeks (intervention) or the control group. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at trial completion. Interview transcripts were analysed through framework analysis conducted independently by 2 researchers.

RESULTS

Stroke survivors participated despite high levels of fatigue because they hoped for personal benefit or to potentially benefit future patients. Benefits reported from participation included physical improvements, psychological benefit, improved understanding of their condition as well as a feeling of hope and distraction. The arm training at three weeks after stroke, aiming for 420 movement repetitions was not considered to be too intensive or too early, and most individuals felt lucky to have been, or would have preferred to be in the early training group.

CONCLUSION

High repetition arm training early after stroke was acceptable to participants. Study participation was generally viewed as a positive experience, suggesting that early intervention may not only be physically beneficial but also psychologically.Implications for rehabilitationStroke survivors report that high repetition arm training early after stroke is acceptable.Participation in rehabilitation research early after stroke provides stroke survivors with hope and meaning despite the high prevalence of fatigue.Complex information needs to be repeated and provided in a number of formats early after stroke.

Guided Self-rehabilitation Contracts Combined With AbobotulinumtoxinA in Adults With Spastic Paresis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Guided self-rehabilitation contracts (GSCs) are a diary-based rehabilitation strategy, wherein specific muscles are identified for prescription of high-load, home self-stretching techniques. We assessed the effect of GSCs combined with simultaneous upper limb (UL) and lower limb (LL) abobotulinumtoxinA injections on composite active range of motion (CXA) in adults with chronic spastic paresis.

METHODS

This was an international, prospective, single-arm, open-label study (ENGAGE, NCT02969356). Personalized GSCs were monitored by phone every other week, alongside 2 consecutive abobotulinumtoxinA injections (1500 U) across UL and LL, over 6 to 9 months. Primary outcomes were responder rates (CXA improvement ≥35° [UL] or ≥5° [LL]) at week 6 cycle 2. Secondary outcomes were active function (UL: Modified Frenchay Scale [MFS]; LL: 10-m barefoot maximal walking speed [WS]) and quality of life (12-item Short Form Health Survey, SF-12).

RESULTS

Of the 153 treated participants, 136 had primary endpoint data; 72.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 64.0-78.9) were responders. Mean (SD) CXA changes from baseline to last study visit were +49.3° (63.4) for UL and +20.1° (27.6) for LL. Mean (95% CI) changes from baseline to week 12 cycle 2 were +0.55 (0.43-0.66) in MFS, +0.12 m/s (0.09-0.15) for WS, and +4.0 (2.8-5.2) for SF-12 physical scores. In the safety population (n = 157), 49.7% of participants reported treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs); 12.1% reported 25 serious AEs.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

GSC combined with simultaneous UL and LL abobotulinumtoxinA injections led to improvements in CXA and function in both limbs, and quality-of-life physical scores. These results suggest the beneficial effect of combined GSC and abobotulinumtoxinA therapy in the management of spastic paresis.Video Abstract available for more insight from the authors (see the Supplementary Video, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A346).

Process mapping in healthcare: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Process mapping (PM) supports better understanding of complex systems and adaptation of improvement interventions to their local context. However, there is little research on its use in healthcare. This study (i) proposes a conceptual framework outlining quality criteria to guide the effective implementation, evaluation and reporting of PM in healthcare; (ii) reviews published PM cases to identify context and quality of PM application, and the reported benefits of using PM in healthcare.

METHODS

We developed the conceptual framework by reviewing methodological guidance on PM and empirical literature on its use in healthcare improvement interventions. We conducted a systematic review of empirical literature using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology. Inclusion criteria were: full text empirical study; describing the process through which PM has been applied in a healthcare setting; published in English. Databases searched are: Medline, Embase, HMIC-Health Management Information Consortium, CINAHL-Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus. Two independent reviewers extracted and analysed data. Each manuscript underwent line by line coding. The conceptual framework was used to evaluate adherence of empirical studies to the identified PM quality criteria. Context in which PM is used and benefits of using PM were coded using an inductive thematic analysis approach.

RESULTS

The framework outlines quality criteria for each PM phase: (i) preparation, planning and process identification, (ii) data and information gathering, (iii) process map generation, (iv) analysis, (v) taking it forward. PM is used in a variety of settings and approaches to improvement. None of the reviewed studies (N = 105) met all ten quality criteria; 7% were compliant with 8/10 or 9/10 criteria. 45% of studies reported that PM was generated through multi-professional meetings and 15% reported patient involvement. Studies highlighted the value of PM in navigating the complexity characterising healthcare improvement interventions.

CONCLUSION

The full potential of PM is inhibited by variance in reporting and poor adherence to underpinning principles. Greater rigour in the application of the method is required. We encourage the use and further development of the proposed framework to support training, application and reporting of PM.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Prospero ID: CRD42017082140.

How active are stroke patients in physiotherapy sessions and is this associated with stroke severity?

PURPOSE

Exercise improves functional outcome post-stroke, but how long patients with differing severity spend undertaking active exercise within physiotherapy sessions is unknown. We aimed to investigate if stroke severity is associated with time undertaking active exercise in physiotherapy sessions, and if any differences between planned and actual physiotherapy session length existed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective observational study of 107 stroke rehabilitation sessions in a UK acute stroke unit. Data recorded included patient demographics (age, gender, time post-stroke and Barthel Index score) and session attributes (planned and actual session length, time undertaking active exercise, grade of treating therapist).

RESULTS

There was a significant negative association between increasing stroke severity and percentage of time undertaking active exercise in physiotherapy sessions (p < 0.001). No other observed factors were associated with time undertaking active exercise. Mean session length across all levels of stroke severity was 32 min (SD 9.26) which was significantly less than planned (p < 0.05). There was no difference in mean session length or between planned and actual physiotherapy session length between patients of differing severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with greater stroke severity participate in less active exercise in physiotherapy sessions than those with lesser stroke severity. Reasons for this disparity warrant further investigation.Implications for rehabilitationStroke patients with higher levels of severity engage in less active exercise during rehabilitation.A discrepancy exists between patients' planned physiotherapy session lengths and actual session lengths during stroke rehabilitation.Physiotherapists should be mindful in how to adapt their sessions (particularly with severe stroke patients) to maximise the amount of activity they undertake.Physiotherapists should be flexible in their delivery of rehabilitation to ensure that the length of patient sessions reflect patients' needs.

Effects of Targeted Assistance and Perturbations on the Relationship Between Pelvis Motion and Step Width in People With Chronic Stroke

During walking in neurologically-intact controls, larger mediolateral pelvis displacements or velocities away from the stance foot are accompanied by wider steps. This relationship contributes to gait stabilization, as modulating step width based on pelvis motion (hereby termed a “mechanically-appropriate” step width) reduces the risk of lateral losses of balance. The relationship between pelvis displacement and step width is often weakened among people with chronic stroke (PwCS) for steps with the paretic leg. Our objective was to investigate the effects of a single exposure to a novel force-field on the modulation of paretic step width. This modulation was quantified as the partial correlation between paretic step width and pelvis displacement at the step’s start (step start paretic ρ_disp). Following 3-minutes of normal walking, participants were exposed to 5-minutes of either force-field assistance (n = 10; pushing the swing leg toward mechanically-appropriate step widths) or perturbations (n = 10: pushing the swing leg away from mechanically-appropriatestep widths). This period of assistance or perturbations was followed by a 1-minute catch period to identify after-effects, a sign of altered sensorimotor control. The effects of assistance were equivocal, without a significant direct effect or after-effect on step start paretic ρ_disp. In contrast, perturbations directly reduced step start paretic ρ_disp (p = 0.004), but were followed by a positive after-effect (p = 0.02). These results suggest that PwCS can strengthen the link between pelvis motion and paretic step width if exposed to a novel mechanical environment. Future work is needed to determine whether this effect is extended with repeated perturbation exposure.

Evaluation of a staff behaviour change intervention to increase the use of ward-based practice books and active practice during inpatient stroke rehabilitation: a phase-1 pre-post observational study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate a staff behaviour change intervention to increase the use of ward-based practice books and active practice by stroke inpatients.

DESIGN

This is a pre-post observational study.

SETTING

This study was conducted in a inpatient rehabilitation unit in Australia.

SUBJECTS

Stroke inpatients participated in the study.

INTERVENTION

A staff behaviour change intervention was designed to support staff to implement practice books. The intervention included staff training on motivation and coaching, and weekly audit and feedback for six months. The environment was restructured to bring staff together weekly at the bedside to review audit data and share skills.

MAIN MEASURES

Medical record audit and behavioural mapping were used to compare the number of stroke participants with/using a practice book pre- and post-intervention. Pre- and post-intervention, the percentage of observations where a stroke participant was actively practising, repetitions of practice recorded and type of supervision were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 24 participants were observed (n = 12 pre, n = 12 post). Post-intervention, the number of participants with practice books increased from one to six (OR = 11, 95% CI = (0.9, 550.7)), but this change was not statistically significant (P = 0.069). Five participants recorded repetitions in their practice books post-intervention, three were observed using practice books. There was no change in median repetitions recorded (r_pbs = 0.00, 95% CI = (-0.4, 0.4), P = 1.000) or observed active practice (r_pbs = -0.02, 95% CI = (-0.4, 0.4), P = 0.933). Active practice was often fully supervised by a therapist.

CONCLUSION

A staff behaviour change intervention has the potential to increase the number of stroke survivors receiving ward-based practice books but did not increase active practice.

Goal-oriented instructions increase the intensity of practice in stroke rehabilitation compared with non-specific instructions: a within-participant, repeated measures experimental study

QUESTIONS

In stroke rehabilitation, do goal-oriented instructions increase the intensity of practice during therapy compared to a non-specific instruction? Is one type of goal-oriented instruction more effective at increasing the intensity of practice achieved by stroke survivors during therapy?

DESIGN

A within-participant, repeated measures experimental study.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-four adults undertaking stroke rehabilitation at a metropolitan hospital as an inpatient or outpatient.

INTERVENTION

Participants were observed performing exercises across 3 days. On each day, they performed an exercise with a non-specific instruction ('do some [exercise]') as a baseline measure and the same exercise with one of three goal-oriented instructions, delivered in a randomised order. The three goal-oriented instructions were: 'do [exercise] 25 times' (instruction A), 'do [exercise] 25 times as fast as you can' (instruction B), and 'do [exercise] 25 times, as fast as you can, aiming for a personal best' (instruction C). The last instruction included verbal encouragement during the exercise.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The time taken to complete 25 repetitions under the baseline condition and each instruction was recorded and converted into repetitions per minute.

RESULTS

All of the goal-oriented instructions resulted in a significant increase in the rate of repetitions of the exercise being performed compared to the baseline measure: percentage increase from baseline (95% CI) was 62% (31 to 93) with instruction A, 116% (67 to 165) with instruction B, and 128% (84 to 171) with instruction C. Instruction C had a significantly greater effect than instruction A: mean difference in percentage increase 65% (95% CI 13 to 118).

CONCLUSION

Goal-oriented instructions can result in significant increases in the rate of repetitions of exercise in stroke rehabilitation. The use of goal-oriented instructions is a simple, no-cost strategy that can be used to increase the intensity of practice in stroke rehabilitation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN12619000146190.

In inpatient rehabilitation, large amounts of practice can occur safely without direct therapist supervision: an observational study

QUESTIONS

When a hospital gymnasium used for inpatient rehabilitation is set up to allow semi-supervised practice: what percentage of practice is performed as semi-supervised practice, what percentage of patients in the gym are actively engaged in practice at one time, and is the semi-supervised practice that occurs safe?

DESIGN

An observational study using periodic behaviour mapping.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients in general and stroke rehabilitation units of a metropolitan hospital.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Observations in the rehabilitation gym quantified the number of patients in the gym and the numbers of patients practising and resting. In observations of patients practising, the condition of practice was recorded as being with a therapist, with a family member, or with no direct supervision. The number of adverse events during the data collection period was collected from the hospital Incident Information Management System.

RESULTS

The rehabilitation gym was observed on 113 occasions, resulting in 1319 individual patient observations. An average of 12 patients were in the gym during the observations. Practice was being performed with family supervision in 15% of observations and with no direct supervision in 26% of observations, resulting in semi-supervised practice accounting for 41% of all observations of practice. The percentage of observations that were of patients taking part in active practice was 78%. There were no adverse events in the gym.

CONCLUSION

In an inpatient setting, a large percentage of practice can be performed as semi-supervised practice. This does not appear to compromise the time spent in active practice or patient safety.