Supported Rehabilitation for Individuals Who Have Experienced a Stroke: A Pilot Control Trial

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to pilot an innovative and supported intervention for individuals with a stroke. A pilot control trial with qualitative interviews was undertaken within a universitycommunity setting. Thirteen individuals who had experienced a stroke for periods of least 6 months (6 male, average 71 years) were assigned to the intervention group and 7 individuals (2 male, average age 67.9 years) assigned to the control group. Eight individuals from the intervention group completed a single interview. The procedures that related to recruitment and retention and data collection methods were considered. Outcome measures including; self-efficacy, falls self-efficacy and group membership, for both groups were taken at baseline, 11 weeks, 22 weeks. There was an additional assessment at 52 weeks for the intervention group. The structured interview was designed to focus on experiences of the intervention. Self-efficacy remained stable across time for both groups. An improvement in falls self-efficacy was noted in the intervention group at 11 weeks. Consistent improvement (from baseline) was observed in the identity scale across the 52 weeks. Qualitative data provided additional findings related to identity and confidence. Details considering recruitment and retention are also provided. This pilot study provided data that can be used for a further full-scale trial to be considered.