Article

OBJECTIVES: To explore whether a group programme for community-dwelling chronic
stroke survivors and their carers is feasible in rural settings; to measure the
impact of the programme on health-related quality of life and functional
performance; and to determine if any benefits gained are maintained.
Randomized, assessor blind, cross-over, controlled trial. SETTING: Rural outpatient. SUBJECTS: Twenty-five community-dwelling, chronic stroke survivors
and 17 carers of participant stroke survivors. The intervention
group undertook a once-a-week, seven-week group programme combining physical
activity, education, self-management principles and a 'healthy options' morning
tea. At completion, the control group crossed over to receive the intervention.
MAIN MEASURES: Stroke Impact Scale (stroke survivors), Health Impact Scale
(carers), Six Minute Walk Test, Timed Up and Go, Caregiver Strain Index. RESULTS:
There were insufficient participants for results to reach statistical
significance. However between-group trends favoured the intervention group in the
majority of outcome measures for stroke survivors and carers. The majority of
measures remained above baseline at 12 weeks post programme for stroke survivor
participants. The programme was well attended. Of the seven sessions all
participants attended four or more and 88% attended six or seven sessions.
CONCLUSIONS: This novel programme incorporating physical activity, education and
social interaction proved feasible to undertake by a stroke-specific
multidisciplinary team in three rural Australian settings. This programme may
improve and maintain health-related quality of life and physical functioning for
chronic stroke survivors and their carers and warrants further investigation.

Langue : ANGLAIS