Feasibility of a home-based physiotherapy intervention to promote post-stroke mobility: A randomized controlled pilot...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Neurology
• Global Health

Background:

• Home-based physiotherapy is effective for post-stroke mobility in high-income countries.
• These programs are resource-efficient compared to center-based care.
• Feasibility in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a home-based, semi-supervised physiotherapy intervention.
• To promote post-stroke mobility in a low-resource setting (Suriname).
• The SunRISe (Stroke Rehabilitation In Suriname) study evaluated this approach.

Main Methods:

• Prospective randomized controlled trial with chronic stroke patients.
• Intervention group (N=20) received 8 weeks of home-based physiotherapy (4 weeks supervised, 4 weeks tele-supervised).
• Control group (N=10) received usual care. Assessed adherence, satisfaction, safety, exercise tolerance (6MWT), balance (BBS), and upper extremity function (DASH, HG strength).

Main Results:

• 14 of 20 participants completed the intervention; adherence challenges included infrastructure and motivation.
• No adverse events were reported; participants expressed satisfaction.
• Significant improvements observed in the intervention group for functional exercise tolerance (6MWT) and upper extremity function (DASH).

Conclusions:

• Home-based, semi-supervised physiotherapy is a safe and feasible option for stroke survivors in low-resource settings.
• The intervention showed moderate to high engagement and patient satisfaction.
• Preliminary results indicate functional improvements in mobility and upper extremity function.