Stroke survivors’ perceptions of participating in a high repetition arm training trial early after stroke

Hammerbeck, U; Hargreaves, M; Hollands, K; Tyson, S

Abstract

Purpose
The study explored the acceptability of high repetition arm training as part of a randomised controlled trial, early after stroke, when fatigue levels and emotional strain are often high.

Materials and methods
36 sub-acute stroke survivors (61 years+/-15) attended for assessment sessions at 3, 6, and 12 weeks after stroke. Individuals were randomised to receive 6 high repetition arm training sessions between 3 and 6 weeks (intervention) or the control group. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at trial completion. Interview transcripts were analysed through framework analysis conducted independently by 2 researchers.

Results
Stroke survivors participated despite high levels of fatigue because they hoped for personal benefit or to potentially benefit future patients. Benefits reported from participation included physical improvements, psychological benefit, improved understanding of their condition as well as a feeling of hope and distraction. The arm training at three weeks after stroke, aiming for 420 movement repetitions was not considered to be too intensive or too early, and most individuals felt lucky to have been, or would have preferred to be in the early training group.

Conclusion
High repetition arm training early after stroke was acceptable to participants. Study participation was generally viewed as a positive experience, suggesting that early intervention may not only be physically beneficial but also psychologically.

Implications for rehabilitation
Stroke survivors report that high repetition arm training early after stroke is acceptable.

Participation in rehabilitation research early after stroke provides stroke survivors with hope and meaning despite the high prevalence of fatigue.

Complex information needs to be repeated and provided in a number of formats early after stroke.

Citation

Hammerbeck, U., Hargreaves, M., Hollands, K., & Tyson, S. (2021). Stroke survivors’ perceptions of participating in a high repetition arm training trial early after stroke. Disability and Rehabilitation, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2021.1955984

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 11, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Aug 9, 2021
• Publication Date: Aug 9, 2021
• Deposit Date: Aug 19, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 19, 2021
• Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation
• Print ISSN: 0963-8288
• Electronic ISSN: 1464-5165
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Pages: 1-8
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2021.1955984
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2021.1955984
• Related Public URLs: http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/idre20/current
• Additional Information: Additional Information : ** Article version: VoR ** From Crossref journal articles via Jisc Publications Router ** Licence for VoR version of this article starting on 09-08-2021: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ **Journal IDs: pissn 0963-8288; eissn 1464-5165 **History: issued 09-08-2021; published_online 09-08-2021