Strategy-training post-stroke via tele-rehabilitation: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• Long-term social participation limitations are common post-stroke.
• The efficacy of tele-rehabilitation for improving social participation remains unclear.
• Investigating transfer of learning effects is crucial for broader functional gains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt and evaluate a tele-rehabilitation strategy training approach (tele-CO-OP) for stroke survivors.
• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of remote delivery of CO-OP.
• To examine transfer of learning effects on social participation.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial comparing tele-CO-OP intervention (EXPT) to a waitlist control group.
• Feasibility and acceptability assessed via attendance, satisfaction, and engagement.
• Primary outcome measured by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).

Main Results:

• Tele-CO-OP was feasible and acceptable, with high participant satisfaction and engagement.
• Large effect sizes for transfer of learning were observed, favoring the tele-CO-OP group.
• Improvements in mood were also noted, with benefits extending to the control group post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• Tele-CO-OP is a feasible and acceptable tele-rehabilitation approach for stroke survivors.
• Preliminary evidence suggests transfer of learning effects to untrained social activities.
• This approach holds potential for improving long-term social participation after stroke.