Resilience in Stroke survivor-care-partner Dyads (ReStoreD): a study protocol for a randomized-control trial

Area of Science:

• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Psychology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Stroke impacts both survivors and care-partners, with 30-50% experiencing depression or anxiety.
• Existing interventions for couples post-stroke are often insufficient or inaccessible.
• A novel, remotely delivered dyadic intervention (ReStoreD) was developed to address this gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct an efficacy trial of the 8-week ReStoreD intervention for stroke survivor-care-partner dyads.
• To evaluate the intervention's impact on emotional distress, resilience, relationship quality, and meaningful activity engagement.
• To examine potential mediators and moderators of the intervention's effects.

Main Methods:

• A randomized waitlist-control design was employed with 200 dyads (400 participants).
• Participants included stroke survivors (ischemic or hemorrhagic) and their cohabitating partners.
• All study components, including intervention delivery and assessments, were conducted remotely online.

Main Results:

• This section is not available in the provided abstract.

Conclusions:

• This is the first efficacy trial of a positive psychology intervention for couples coping with stroke.
• Findings will inform the development of accessible, remotely delivered dyadic interventions.
• Successful outcomes could lead to improved rehabilitation and quality of life for stroke survivor-care-partner dyads.