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.
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.
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether wearing a functional hand splint adds benefit to carrying out a task-specific home program. Thirty-three children were randomly assigned to the Specific Task and Splint Group or to a comparison group. Participants were evaluated before and after 6 weeks of intervention and at 14 weeks of follow-up. Both groups improved on the Assisting Hand Assessment and the Children’s Hand-use Experience Questionnaire (AHA Units p = .000; CHEQ bimanual tasks p = .000; CHEQ grasp efficacy p = .000 and CHEQ time utilization p = .018). No differences were found between the groups after the intervention or after the follow-up. Hand skills improved in both groups who received a task-specific home program. Wearing a functional hand splint did not appear to improve effectiveness in addition to the home program. This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03282422).
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.
Purpose: This study explores whether the full potential of physiotherapy is reaching cancer patients and their caregivers at all stages of the oncological process, aiming to identify gaps and opportunities for improving care. Methods: The World Cafe co-design methodology facilitated discussions among cancer patients and caregivers. This dynamic, inclusive, and engaging approach fostered diverse perspectives and deeper insights through collaborative and flexible discussions. Sessions were recorded, transcribed, and qualitatively analyzed. Results: Sixteen participants were involved (eight cancer survivors and eight caregivers). The mean age of cancer survivors was 63.8 years, while the average age of caregivers was 59.3 years. Breast cancer was the most prevalent diagnosis among patients, and most caregivers had lost their family members to cancer. Analysis revealed two primary themes: “feeling cared for” and “the role of physiotherapy in the oncological process.” Key findings highlight the need for more humanized healthcare, with professionals providing support through effective communication and empathy. Significant gaps were detected in both systematic referrals to physiotherapists and their integration into care teams. Testimonies highlighted the lack of knowledge about the full potential of physiotherapy in oncology, hindering access. There was also a demand for recognizing specialized oncological physiotherapists. Conclusions: These findings highlight significant gaps in physiotherapy care for cancer survivors and caregivers, including unmet needs due to the 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 healthcare professionals to provide more humanized care.