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A content analysis of physiotherapy for postural control in people
with stroke: An observational study

Tyson, S; Selley, A

Authors

S Tyson

A Selley



Abstract

Purpose. The lack of information about the content of therapy packages is a frequent criticism in stroke rehabilitation
research. This study aimed to describe, in detail, the content of one aspect of physiotherapy; the rehabilitation of postural
control.
Methods. The design was a cross-sectional survey and the setting was in 11 NHS Trusts. The participants were 35 stroke
physiotherapists working in acute and rehabilitation settings who recorded the treatment of 132 patients in 644
treatment sessions using the Stroke Physiotherapy Intervention Recording Tool. Analysis was carried out by descriptive
statistics, one-way ANOVAS and chi-squares which were used to describe content of interventions and effects of the aim of
treatment.
Results and conclusions. Physiotherapists’ clinical practice focused on therapist-led interventions, which aimed to normalize
muscle tone and promote normal movement patterns. The most frequent interventions were ‘preparation for treatment’
(n¼1969, 43%), ‘practising balance and walking activities’ (n¼1583, 34%) and ‘practising functional tasks’ (n¼703, 15%).
Interventions to encourage independence or activity outside the treatment session were rarely used. This pattern was seen
regardless of the aim of treatment (the restoration of sitting balance, standing balance or stepping/walking).

Citation

with stroke: An observational study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 28(13-14), 865-872. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638280500535090

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jul 1, 2006
Deposit Date Mar 23, 2010
Journal Disability and Rehabilitation
Print ISSN 0963-8288
Publisher Taylor and Francis
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 28
Issue 13-14
Pages 865-872
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/09638280500535090
Keywords Stroke rehabilitation, physiotherapy, postural control, mobility, balance, Bobath
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09638280500535090


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