Task specific self-rehabilitation training for community-dwelling stroke survivors: A study protocol

Abstract

Stroke is one of the most disabling neurological conditions worldwide. In Low and Middle Income Countries stroke incidence is growing toward a disturbing trend with data suggesting advancing figures in the past decade. Post-stroke disability is of a long-standing effects and to accomplish a long-term rehabilitation goal, rehabilitation approaches for stroke need to be of enduring benefits and influence. Stroke survivors are faced with enormous challenges within the community where healthcare professionals’ assistance is no longer accessible. The impact of this plethora of challenges makes the provision of stroke rehabilitation in LMICs and in particular among community-dwelling stroke survivors grossly inadequate. Development and implementation of a task-specific self-rehabilitation training program in community dwelling stroke survivors. A multi-phase mixed-method design is proposed (three phases). Phase I involves the development of self-rehabilitation Task-specific training package in audiovisual form and validating it. Phase II involves a pilot study for feasibility of implementing the program and conducting a larger RCT of the program. Key outcomes measures are functional mobility characteristics and quality of life. And phase III involves a Focus Group Discussion to explore perceptions of the participants about the program. Research setting selection and preparation, instruments selection and applications for ethical clearance and funding have been completed. This description of methodology is expected to be useful for researchers in developing, planning and implementation of studies of this kind.