Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques for Stroke Survivors with Aphasia: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study

Abstract

Stroke survivors with aphasia (SsWA) tend to experience high levels of anxiety and stress, leading to an increased risk of recurrent strokes. Mindfulness and/or relaxation that does not require language outputs could reduce psychosocial stress; however, these approaches work best if they consist of a range of techniques and are modified to suit the needs of SsWA. Using a mixed-methods approach, we examined the feasibility and acceptability of a set of tailored mindfulness and relaxation techniques for SsWA. Nine SsWA were recruited (six men and three women, median age = 51 years). Four relaxation and mindfulness techniques which had been tailored for SsWA were filmed into a DVD/YouTube video and were given to participants together with a practice diary for home practice once daily for 5 weeks. The participants joined focus group discussions and completed a feasibility scale 5 weeks later. The participants perceived these techniques as easy, user-friendly and acceptable for SsWA in general. Although practised less often than instructed, many participants reported benefits of regular practice. The perceived relevance of these techniques to the participants’ own situations and the intention to continue varied. Future research could encourage the regular practice of self-help interventions by incorporating behavioural change techniques such as using prompts and cues.

“I Assumed It Would Be Somebody Who Had a Stroke That Was Doing This”: Views of Stroke Survivors, Caregivers, and Health Professionals on Tailoring a Relaxation and Mindfulness Intervention

“…This is vital as in previous research survivors with post-stroke aphasia are often excluded from rehabilitation studies [54]. The current PPI findings also support [50] who demonstrated that if study materials are tailored and made as accessible as possible, aphasic survivors are able to contribute to the research project.…”

“…For example, breath watch has been considered a relaxation technique by Benson and Klipper (2000) [49]. Body relaxation is based on the principles of autogenic relaxation which had been tailored to stroke survivors' needs in previous studies [38,50]. The four techniques were selected and tailored for use with stroke survivors and those with communication difficulties [38].…”

Electronic Medical Record Data Analysis and Prediction of Stroke Disease Using Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI)

“…This burden of thought can cause feelings of stress and trigger a stroke [36]. The link between stress and stroke is significantly correlated and undeniable [37]. First, stress can cause the heart to work harder, raise blood pressure, and increase blood sugar and fat levels.…”

Stepped psychological care in post-stroke aphasia: Feasibility protocol to evaluate the co- designed “Kalmer” online relaxation intervention

“…Further, a reduction in depression scores was evident in those with anxiety after stroke who received the training (22). Supporting the opportunity relaxation proposes for treatment of those with reduced communication ability after stroke, there is evidence relaxation training is acceptable to those with aphasia after stroke (23) and it has been found to impact an observational measure of anxiety with this population (24). It is notable relaxation training is considered an appropriate intervention at both Step 1 and Step 2 of stepped care for mental health post stroke (16).…”