Article

PURPOSE: To test the feasibility and acceptability of an implementation intention
strategy (if-then plans) increasingly used in health psychology to bridge the
goal intention-action gap in rehabilitation with people with neurological
conditions who are experiencing difficulties with mobility.
METHODS: Twenty
people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and stroke, randomised to an experimental and
control group, set up to three mobility related goals with a physiotherapist. The
experimental group also formulated if-then plans for every goal. DATA COLLECTION:
Focus groups and interviews with participants and therapists; Patient Activation
Measure (PAM), 10-m walk test, Rivermead Mobility Index, self-efficacy,
subjective health status, quality of life. RESULTS: Qualitative data highlighted
one main theme: Rehabilitation in context, encapsulating the usefulness of the
if-then strategy in thinking about the patient in the context of complexity, the
usefulness of home-based rehabilitation, and the perceived need for a few more
sessions. Changes in walking speed were in the expected direction for both
groups; PAM scores improved over 3 months in both groups. CONCLUSION: If-then
plans were feasible and acceptable in bridging the goal intention-action gap in
rehabilitation with people with MS and stroke, who are experiencing difficulties
with mobility. This approach can now be adapted and trialled further in a
definitive study. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Goal planning in
rehabilitation necessitates specific strategies that help people engage in
goal-related tasks. If-then plans aim to support people to deal more effectively
with self-regulatory problems that might undermine goal striving and have been
found to be effective in health promotion and health behaviour change. This
feasibility study with people with a stroke and multiple sclerosis has
demonstrated that if-then plans are feasible and acceptable to patients and
physiotherapists in supporting goal-directed behaviour.

Langue : ANGLAIS