Article

Patients with chronic stroke may benefit from continuing
rehabilitation training after hospital discharge.
This study examined whether
caregiver-mediated, home-based intervention (CHI) could improve physical
functioning and social participation in these patients. Methods. A single-blind,
randomized, controlled 12-week trial conducted with 51 patients from 3 hospitals
in Taiwan who had chronic stroke (>6 months; Brunnstrom recovery stages III-V).
Patients and their caregivers in the intervention arm (n = 25) were given weekly
personalized CHI trainings designed by a physical therapist. Patients in the
control arm (n = 26) received visits from the therapist without intervention. All
were evaluated for physical recovery through the Stroke Impact Scale, Berg
Balance Scale, 10-Meter Walk Test, 6-Minute Walk Test, and Barthel Index at
baseline and endpoint. Caregivers were evaluated with the Caregiver Burden Scale.
Results were analyzed through Mann-Whitney U test. Results. CHI significantly
improved scores of the Stroke Impact Scale: strength (control vs intervention,
respectively: 1.4 vs 15.5; P = .002), mobility (-0.5 vs 13.7; P < .001),
composite physical (-0.7 vs 11.2; P < .001), and general recovery domain (0.2 vs
17.4; P < .001). CHI also significantly improved free-walking velocity (-1.4 vs
7.5 cm/s; P = .006), 6-minute walk distance (-10.5 vs 15.8 m; P = .003), Berg
Balance Scale score (-0.8 vs 4.5; P = .006), and Barthel Index score (0.6 vs 7.2;
P = .008). CHI did not significantly increase caregiver burden at endpoint.
Conclusion. CHI can improve physical functional recovery and, possibly, social
participation in patients with chronic stroke.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS