Exercising, Socialising, and Thinking: an Environmental Enrichment Model (ESTEEM) after stroke-a mixed methods pilot...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Gerontology

Background:

• Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability.
• Environmental enrichment programs show promise in enhancing recovery.
• The ESTEEM Program was developed to address physical, psychological, and social needs of stroke survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the benefits and experiences of stroke survivors, carers, and staff participating in the ESTEEM Program.
• To measure the impact of the ESTEEM Program on physical, psychological, and quality of life outcomes.
• To gather qualitative data on end-user perceptions of the ESTEEM Program.

Main Methods:

• A concurrent triangulation mixed-methods design was employed.
• Quantitative data included physical (leg strength, endurance, falls efficacy, frailty), psychological (anxiety, depression), and quality of life outcomes.
• Qualitative data involved semi-structured interviews with stroke survivors, carers, and staff.

Main Results:

• Stroke survivors showed significant improvements in leg strength and walking endurance post-intervention.
• At 3-month follow-up, stroke survivors demonstrated improvements in leg strength, frailty, anxiety, depression, and quality of life.
• End-users (survivors, carers, staff) perceived the ESTEEM Program as beneficial, desirable, and worthwhile.

Conclusions:

• The ESTEEM Program may positively impact both physical and emotional recovery post-stroke.
• The program is acceptable to end-users, indicating feasibility for implementation.
• Findings support further clinical research to establish the effectiveness of the ESTEEM Program.