Abstract TP68: Experiences Of Community-dwelling Stroke Survivors With A Virtual Multidisciplinary Stroke Clinic During The Covid Pandemic

Abstract

Background: Past research has supported the benefits of dance in improving balancing and walking ability in people with neurological conditions. More evidence on stroke survivors’ satisfaction and perceived benefits of dance interventions on their recovery is needed. Purpose: This study explored the experiences of participating in a virtual ballet-adapted dance intervention among people with lower limb paresis after a stroke. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with a convenience sample of stroke survivors with unilateral paresis recruited from a support group. The participants attended a virtual dance intervention and learned to perform simple ballet-adapted moves in a sitting or standing position. They then danced together in a group with a Cantopop song of the 80’s. The ballet-adapted moves were designed to improve survivors’ range of motion and control of the joints at ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, and elbows. The participants were interviewed individually after the group dance about their satisfaction with the dance experience. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Results: Fourteen stroke survivors (mean age=62.79 years, SD=9.35) were recruited. Nine of them (64%) walked with a stick. The mean duration after stroke was 10.64 year (SD=8.71). The survivors agreed that the ballet-adapted moves could be performed safely at home, and it was particularly helpful during the coronavirus pandemic to engage them in physical activities. They appreciated the integration of familiar songs in the dance and the group dance experience, which was interesting, easier to memorise the steps, and offered them opportunities to meet people. The experience of mastering new dance moves and working towards a group goal conveyed a sense of accomplishment after stroke. No adverse events were reported during and after the dance. Conclusion: The stroke survivors were satisfied with the virtual ballet-adapted dance intervention. Further studies to investigate the effects of the intervention on improving survivors’ physical and psychosocial outcomes are needed.