Methodology of the Stroke Self-management Rehabilitation Trial: An International, Multisite Pilot Trial

Date
2015
Authors
Jones, KM
Bhattacharjee, R
Krishnamurthi, R
Blanton, S
Theadom, A
Barker-Collo, S
Thrift, A
Parmar, P
Maujean, A
Ranta, A
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract

Rationale

Stroke is a major cause of long-term adult disability with many survivors living in the community relying on family members for on-going support. However, reports of inadequate understanding of rehabilitation techniques are common. A self-management DVD-based observational learning tool may help improve functional outcomes for survivors of stroke and reduce caregivers' burden.

Aims

This article describes the methodology of the stroke self-management rehabilitation trial. The overall aim of this pilot trial is to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a DVD-based intervention for improving functional outcomes of survivors of stroke 2 months postrandomization to inform the design of a full-scale randomized clinical trial.

Design

Recruitment of a minimum of 20 survivors of stroke and their informal caregivers (where available) in each of the participating centers will occur across multiple international sites. After baseline assessments, participants will be randomly assigned to an intervention or standard care group. The intervention comprises a structured DVD observation and practice schedule over 8 weeks. All participants will complete follow-up assessments.

Study outcomes

The outcome measures will include a global shift in the Rankin Scale scores and dichotomized scores, changes in quality of life, general health, depression, and caregiver burden at 2 months postrandomization. A qualitative analysis of the effects of the intervention will also be undertaken.

Discussion

The results of the pilot study will provide knowledge of whether observational learning techniques delivered via DVD can effectively improve recovery after stroke and reduce caregiver burden.

Description
Keywords
Stroke; Rehabilitation; Clinical trials; Methodology; Protocols; Treatment
Source
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 24(2), 297-303.
Rights statement
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. This is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in (see Citation). Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. The definitive version was published in (see Citation). The original publication is available at (see Publisher's Version).