Article

PURPOSE: To test the feasibility of a handwriting retraining program with adults
after stroke; specifically the feasibility of:
(i) recruiting people with stroke
to the study, (ii) delivering the handwriting retraining program and (iii) outcome measures of handwriting performance. METHOD: A quasi-experimental
pre-test post-test design was used. A four-week, home-based handwriting
retraining program was delivered by an occupational therapist using task-specific
practice. Legibility, speed, pen control and self-perception of handwriting were
measured at baseline and completion of the program. Legibility was scored by a
blinded rater. RESULTS: Seven adults with stroke were recruited (eligibility
fraction 43% of those screened, and enrolment fraction 78% of those eligible).
There were no dropouts. Although, recruitment was slow the intervention was
feasible and acceptable to adults with stroke. No statistically or clinically
significant changes in legibility were reported in this small sample, but a
ceiling effect was evident for some outcome measures. The study was not powered
to determine efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Delivery of a four-week handwriting
intervention with eight supervised sessions in the community was feasible;
however, recruitment of an adequate sample size would require greater investment
than the single site used in this pilot. Implications for Rehabilitation
Handwriting difficulty is common following hemiparesis after stroke, however
research addressing handwriting retraining for adults with stroke is lacking. A four-week home-based handwriting program using task-specific practice and
feedback was feasible to deliver and appropriate for adults with stroke.
Improving handwriting legibility and neatness across a range of tasks were
important goals for adults with handwriting impairment.

Langue : ANGLAIS