Introduction Stroke survivors usually experience long-lasting functional, emotional and social consequences that might contribute to sedentary behaviour and participation restrictions, which are important targets to address during rehabilitation. However, the trajectory and inter-relationship between these factors are unknown. Methods and analysis Part&Sed is a research project based on an observational study design with 6 and 12 months of follow-ups in stroke survivors. In addition, a qualitative analysis of the impact of the stroke on the stroke survivor, validation of the Satisfaction with Daily Occupation-Occupational Balance assessment tool and analysis of the reliability of the Fitbit Inspire 2 activity tracker wristband will be carried out. Participants will be chronic stroke survivors with independent walking capacity. Sociodemographic and clinical data, physical activity, ambulation, sleep, quality of life, anxiety and depression, community participation, and occupational satisfaction and balance, as well as data provided by the activity tracker wristband, will be collected. In addition, if the participant has a primary caregiver, the caregiver will also be monitored. A minimum of 130 participants will be recruited to conduct a random-effects multiple regression model. Mixed models for repeated measures will assess the variation over time of the different variables associated with participation and sedentary behaviour. Psychometric properties (eg, internal consistency, construct validity, test–retest reliability) of the Satisfaction with Daily Occupation-Occupational Balance will be determined. Additionally, intraclass correlation coefficients and minimum detectable change will be calculated to assess intrasubject reliability of physical activity and sleep parameters recorded by the Fitbit Inspire 2. The qualitative analysis process will be carried out using the analysis proposed by Giorgi. Ethics and dissemination The study received ethical approval from the Spanish Regional Ethics Committee ‘Comité de Ética de la Investigación de la Comunidad de Aragón’ (PI21/333). The results will be made available via peer-reviewed publications, international conferences and official channels.
Objective: To evaluate the effect of integrating a specific balance-training program focused on static balance to the conventional rehabilitation program on dynamic balance, risk of falls, and activities of daily living (ADLs) in older adults post-stroke. Design: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Setting: Institutional Intermediate Care Hospital. Subjects: Post-stroke older adults in a subacute phase without cognitive impairment, aged 65 years and older, exhibiting trunk control in a seated position for 30 seconds without supporting the arms. Intervention: The control group underwent the usual treatment, consisting of 60-minute physiotherapy sessions, 5 days per week, for 30 days. The experimental group integrated into the usual treatment 15 minutes of the balance-training program (45 min + 15 min). Main measures: Balance impairment (Mini-BESTest and Berg Balance Scale (BBS), risk of falls (BBS), and independence for ADLs (Barthel Index)) were assessed at baseline, 15 and 30 days after the start of interventions. Results: Seventy-one post-stroke patients (77.7 ± 9.0 years, 49.2% women) were randomized into the experimental ( n = 35) or control ( n = 36) groups. The experimental group showed improved dynamic balance at day 15 (Mini-BESTest: 2.90 [1.05–4.77], p = 0.003; BBS: 4.31 [1.41–7.23], p = 0.004) and day 30 (Mini-BESTest: 6.06 [2.85–9.27], p < 0.001; BBS: 8.24 [2.96–13.53], p = 0.003), as well as greater independence levels (11 [2.75–19.23], p = 0.010) compared to the control group. The control group showed higher risk of falls on day 15 ( p = 0.035) and day 30 ( p = 0.003) than the experimental group. Conclusions: A simple, easily reproducible approach designed by and for the older adult to rehabilitate post-stroke impairments effectively improved balance, functional gait, risk of falls, and ADLs.
Background: Within the field of childhood neurodisability, the tendency in the study of needs has been to categorize them based on ability (motor, verbal, cognitive). However, current perspectives such as F-words, family-centered practices, or the principles of family empowerment, lead the researcher to ask: What are these needs according to the stage of development?Methods and analysis: A descriptive qualitative study will be carried out. Several methods will be followed to ensure the reliability and validity of the results, and the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research and the Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklists will also be used to guide the project. Data collection is sought from three main sources: Focus groups (detection of needs), a survey to collect sociodemographic and clinical data necessary to obtain an overview of the context of the participants, and a survey to find out the level of satisfaction with this initiative.Discussion: The results expected to be obtained after this study will respond to the main needs of families with childhood neurodisability, based on age groups and covering the whole territory of the Spanish population. Thanks to these detected needs, it will be possible to design future lines of work to improve the design of family-centered practices and increase the empowerment of families. The intention is to detect needs by stage of development, which can be categorized within the F-words framework, showing families and professionals a clear picture of the needs of this population.
BackgroundStroke survivors exhibit sedentary behavior, and many do not engage in physical activity and exercise for a number of reasons. Secondary prevention through physical activity is a priority to avoid a new stroke or disease.ObjectiveTo describe the experience of stroke survivors with maintained walking ability living in Spain regarding physical activity and exercise.MethodsA qualitative phenomenological study was conducted. Purposive sampling was carried out to include 35 stroke survivors who had stroke more than 6 months ago from 14 neurorehabilitation centers in 24 cities in Spain. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and researchers' field notes. The Giorgi approach was used for the qualitative analysis of the data collected.ResultsThree themes emerged: a) Changes in the experience of physical activity and exercise adaptation; b) Reasons for and against the practice of physical activity and exercise; c) Experiencing tiredness and fatigue.ConclusionsOur results show the individual post-stroke perception of each person, the reasons for and against the practice of physical activity and exercise, as well as the impact this has on their daily life and activity. These results will help health professionals to understand the needs of stroke survivors when prescribing physical activity and exercise included in intervention programs.
Purpose: This study aims to explore the knowledge and perceptions of health and social care professionals (HSCP) as well as cancer care managers and administrators (CCMA) in Spain regarding oncological physiotherapy. It seeks to identify barriers and propose strategies to enhance its integration into comprehensive cancer care. Methods: The World Café co-design methodology was employed to facilitate discussions among HSCP and CCMA. This approach, known for its dynamic, inclusive, and engaging nature, encouraged a wide range of perspectives and deeper insights through collaborative and adaptable conversations. The sessions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed qualitatively using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Nineteen participants were involved, including 11 HSCP and 8 CCMA. The analysis revealed three primary themes: “Supportive Services,” “Physiotherapy Along the cancer continuum,” and “What Now?”. Key findings highlight the lack of awareness about the role of physiotherapy in oncology, significant barriers to its integration, and the need for more humanized healthcare. Participants emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary work, the inclusion of physiotherapy in all phases of the oncological process, and the role of case managers in coordinating care. Conclusions: These findings underscore significant gaps in the integration of physiotherapy into oncological care, including unmet needs due to lack of information, resources, and effective communication. Future efforts should focus on increasing the visibility of physiotherapy, integrating specialized physiotherapists into oncology teams, and enhancing the emotional education of professionals to provide more humanized care. Graphical
Introduction: The process of returning to participation after a stroke depends on various individual and contextual factors, yet little is known about those with slight dependency. This study aimed to explore the experiences of people with mild sequelae after stroke in relation to their return to participation, considering the socio‐cultural context of Spain. Method: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted involving 35 mild stroke survivors walking independently. The participants had experienced a stroke at least 6 months earlier. Data collection consisted of semi‐structured interviews and researchers' field notes. The analysis was conducted following Giorgi's method. Findings: Three themes were obtained: (a) Intrapersonal context: resilience to face sequelae and achieve autonomy, self‐reflections; (b) Return to daily life: home and leisure, work and study, daily community and travel; and (c) Interpersonal and social participation reengage: close connections, social bonds. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that returning to participation after a mild stroke is a highly heterogeneous process and is shaped by social support, adaptations facilitating independence, self‐determination, and the development of post‐stroke roles. Patient or Public Contribution: Individuals with lived experience engaged in the analysis and verification of the presented data. Their input helped ensure that the findings were interpreted in a way that reflects real‐world perspectives and relevance. No patient or public involvement occurred during the design or conduct of the study, or in the preparation of the manuscript.