Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026
Robotic Mirror Therapy System for Functional Recovery of Hemiplegic Arms
Published on: August 15, 2016
Rehabilitation Experiences and Support Needs of Patients With Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain Based on the ICF Framework: A
Xingyu Li1,2,3, Hualu Yang1, Minghong Sui1
1Shenzhen Nanshan People' s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.
Background:
Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) multi-dimensionally affects the rehabilitation process of stroke survivors. Although previous literature has explored post-stroke functional recovery, empirical qualitative investigations into the authentic rehabilitation experiences and deep care needs of this specific population during hospitalisation remain to be further elucidated.
Objective:
Guided by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework, this study aimed to explore the rehabilitation experiences and multidimensional needs of hospitalised stroke patients with HSP, with a view to informing the development of comprehensive, evidence-based clinical rehabilitation support pathways.
Methods:
A descriptive phenomenological qualitative research approach was employed. Purposive sampling was used to select 12 stroke inpatients with HSP for semi-structured in-depth interviews to systematically investigate their lived experiences and care demands during the rehabilitation cycle. The interview data were analyzed and thematic structures were extracted using Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenological analysis method.
Results:
The qualitative analysis revealed that HSP exerted multi-dimensional negative impacts on stroke patients, including physical function limitations, a lack of rehabilitation knowledge, negative emotional distress, restricted social participation, and heavy economic pressure. Consequently, four core domains of rehabilitation needs during hospitalisation were identified: symptom management and psychological support, rehabilitation training and functional reshaping support, comprehensive environmental and social resource support, and patient-oriented health empowerment.
Conclusion:
Confirming the bio-psycho-social model of chronic pain, this study highlights that the negative consequences of HSP extend far beyond physical motor restrictions. To address these urgent needs, it is imperative to establish a patient-centred, nurse-coordinated multidisciplinary team (MDT) collaborative intervention model, in which targeted health empowerment and multidisciplinary symptom management serve as critical entry points to break the rehabilitation deadlock during hospitalisation.
