Home-based self-management for physically inactive individuals with mild walking disability after stroke: a...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Physical Therapy
• Stroke Recovery

Background:

• Post-stroke physical inactivity is a significant concern.
• Home-based interventions may offer accessible solutions for stroke survivors.
• Enhancing self-management is crucial for long-term adherence to physical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a home-based self-management program's effectiveness in increasing physical activity in recent stroke survivors.
• To compare the program against usual care over 3 and 6 months.
• To assess secondary outcomes including cardiovascular risk, walking ability, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A Phase II pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted.
• Participants were inactive individuals with mild walking disability post-stroke.
• The intervention group received 6 self-management sessions; the control group received one educational session.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference in physical activity (steps/day) between groups at 3 or 6 months.
• Clinically meaningful improvements in physical activity were observed at 3 months (1380 steps/day).
• Significant improvements in exercise self-efficacy and participation were noted at both 3 and 6 months.

Conclusions:

• The home-based program did not lead to sustained increases in physical activity.
• Future interventions should prioritize enhancing self-efficacy and self-monitoring engagement.
• Further research is needed to optimize self-management strategies for stroke survivors.