Article

Data highlight the importance of undertaking intense and frequent
repetition of activities within stroke rehabilitation to maximise recovery. An
enriched environment (EE) provides a medium in which these activities can be
performed and enhanced recovery achieved. An EE has been shown to promote
neuroplasticity in animal models of stroke, facilitating enhanced recovery of
motor and cognitive function. However, the benefit of enriching the environment
of stroke survivors remains unknown. AIM: To qualitatively explore stroke
survivors' experience of implementation of exposure to an EE within a typical
stroke rehabilitation setting, in order to identify facilitators and barriers to
participation. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with 10 stroke survivors (7
females and 3 males, mean age of 70.5 years) exposed to an EE for a 2-week period
following exposure to routine rehabilitation within a stroke rehabilitation ward.
An inductive thematic approach was utilised to collect and analyse data. RESULTS:
Qualitative themes emerged concerning the environmental enrichment paradigm
including: (1) "It got me moving" - perceived benefits of participation in an EE;
(2) "You can be bored or you can be busy." - Attenuating factors influencing
participation in an EE; (3) "I don't like to make the staff busier" - limitations
to use of the EE. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary support for the
implementation of an EE within a typical stroke rehabilitation setting from a
patient perspective. Reported benefits included (1) increased motor, cognitive
and sensory stimulation, (2) increased social interaction, (3) alleviation of
degree of boredom and (4) increased feelings of personal control. However,
participants also identified a number of barriers affecting implementation of the
EE. We have previously published findings on perceptions of nursing staff working
with stroke survivors in this enriched rehabilitation environment who identified
that patients benefited from having better access to physical, cognitive and
social activities. Together, results contribute to valuable evidence for future
implementation of an EE in stroke rehabilitation settings. Implications for
Rehabilitation Stroke survivor access to an enriched environment (EE): RESULTS
identified that participation in both individual and communal forms of
environment enrichment within the stroke rehabilitation ward resulted in
increased access to activities providing increased opportunities for enhanced
motor, cognitive and sensory stimulation. Increased access to and participation
in activities of the environmental enrichment (individual and communal)
interrupted the ongoing cycle of boredom and inactivity experienced by many
participants. This study provides preliminary support for the implementation of
an EE within a typical stroke rehabilitation setting from a patient perspective.

Langue : ANGLAIS