Caregiver-mediated exercises for improving outcomes after stroke.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Vloothuis JD
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6463929 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Similar Datasets
Project description:Background and purposeWe designed an 8-week caregiver-mediated exercise program with e-health support after stroke (CARE4STROKE) in addition to usual care with the aim to improve functional outcome and to facilitate early supported discharge by increasing the intensity of task specific training.MethodsAn observer-blinded randomized controlled trial in which 66 stroke patient-caregiver couples were included during inpatient rehabilitation. Patients allocated to the CARE4STROKE program trained an additional amount of 150 minutes a week with a caregiver and were compared to a control group that received usual care alone. Primary outcomes: self-reported mobility domain of the Stroke Impact Scale 3.0 (SIS) and length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes: motor impairment, strength, walking ability, balance, mobility and (Extended) Activities of Daily Living of patients, caregiver strain of caregivers, and mood, self-efficacy, fatigue and quality of life of both patients and caregivers. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 8 and 12 weeks after randomization.ResultsNo significant between-group differences were found regarding SIS-mobility after 8 (β 6.21, SD 5.16; P = 0.229) and 12 weeks (β 0.14, SD 2.87; P = 0.961), and LOS (P = 0.818). Significant effects in favor of the intervention group were found for patient's anxiety (β 2.01, SD 0.88; P = 0.023) and caregiver's depression (β 2.33, SD 0.77; P = 0.003) post intervention. Decreased anxiety in patients remained significant at the 12-week follow-up (β 1.01, SD 0.40; P = 0.009).ConclusionsThis proof-of concept trial did not find significant effects on both primary outcomes mobility and LOS as well as the secondary functional outcomes. Treatment contrast in terms of total exercise time may have been insufficient to achieve these effects. However, caregiver-mediated exercises showed a favorable impact on secondary outcome measures of mood for both patient and caregiver.Clinical trial registrationNTR4300, URL- http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=4300.
| S-EPMC6453481 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe evidence for rehabilitation interventions poststroke lack sufficient robustness. However, variation in treatment effects across countries have been given little attention.ObjectiveTo compare two identically protocolized trials conducted in different western countries in order to identify factors that may have caused variation in secondary trial outcomes.MethodsComparative study based on individual patient data (N = 129) from two randomized controlled trials, conducted in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities in the Netherlands (N = 66) and Australia (N = 63). Patients with stroke and their caregivers were randomly allocated to an 8-week caregiver-mediated exercises intervention (N = 63; 31 Australian and 32 Dutch) or to a control group (N = 66; 32 Australian and 34 Dutch). Patient characteristics, compliance, usual care and process measures were compared across countries. We examined if study setting significantly moderated the trial outcomes: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale and General Self-Efficacy Scale, measured at 8- and 12 weeks follow-up. In addition, we explored if factors that were significantly different across countries caused variation in these trial outcomes.ResultsMost patients suffered an ischemic stroke, were in the subacute phase and participated with their partner. Dutch patients were younger (P = 0.005) and had a lower functional status (P = 0.001). Australian patients were recruited earlier poststroke (P<0.001), spent less time in exercise therapy (P<0.001) and had a shorter length of stay (P<0.001). The level of contamination was higher (P = 0.040) among Dutch controls. No effect modification was observed and trial outcomes did not change after controlling for cross-country differences.ConclusionsThe present study highlighted important clinical differences across countries whilst using an identical study protocol. The observed differences could result in a different potential for recovery and variation in treatment effects across trials. We argue that we can proceed faster to evaluating interventions within international pragmatic trials.
| S-EPMC8789096 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveTo synthesize the evidence examining caregiver-mediated mobility interventions in a hospital setting and whether they improve patient, caregiver, or health system outcomes.Data sourcesWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus databases from inception to September 7, 2018.Study selectionTwo reviewers independently selected original research in inpatient settings that reported on an intervention delivered by a caregiver (eg, family, friend, paid worker) and directed to the patient's mobility. Mobility interventions were categorized based on the level of caregiver engagement using a 3-category framework: inform (provision of education on patient's condition and management), activate (prompting caregivers to take action in patient care), and collaborate (encouraging interaction with providers or other caregivers).Data extractionOne reviewer extracted data, and another checked the data. Quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.Data synthesisForty studies met the inclusion criteria; most were randomized controlled trials (n=16/40, 40.0%) and investigated older adults (n=18/40, 45.0%) with stroke (n=20/40, 50.0%). Inform (n=2) and activate (n=4) interventions and combined inform-activate (n=5/6, 83.3%) and inform-activate-collaborate (n=6/10, 60.0%) interventions were reported to improve patient mobility. Inform-activate and inform-collaborate interventions were reported to improve caregiver outcomes (eg, burden) (n=13/19, 68.4%). Studies that engaged caregivers in all 3 strategies (inform-activate-collaborate) were reported to improve health system outcomes (eg, hospital readmission) (n=4/6, 66.7%). Most studies were of unclear (n=22/40, 55.0%) or low risk of bias (n=11/40, 27.5%) for most domains.ConclusionsEngaging caregivers in mobility of hospitalized patients may improve patient mobility as well as caregiver and health system outcomes.
| S-EPMC7853382 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionCaregiver-oncologist concordance regarding the patient's prognosis is associated with worse caregiver outcomes (e.g., depressive symptoms), but mechanisms underpinning these associations are unclear. We explored whether caregiving esteem mediates these associations.MethodsAt enrollment, caregivers and oncologists used a 5-point ordinal scale to estimate patient survival; identical responses were considered concordant. At 4-6 weeks, caregivers completed an assessment of the extent to which caregiving imparts self-esteem (Caregiver Reaction Assessment self-esteem subscale; range 0-5; higher score indicates greater esteem). They also completed Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) for depressive symptoms, Distress Thermometer, and 12-Item Short Form Survey for quality of life (QoL). Mediation analysis with bootstrapping (PROCESS macro by Hayes) was used to estimate the extent to which caregiving mediated the effects of prognostic concordance on caregiver outcomes through caregiving esteem.ResultsPrognostic concordance occurred in 28% the caregiver-oncologist dyads; 85% of the discordance were due to caregivers estimating a longer patient's survival. At 4-6 weeks, mean caregiving esteem score was 4.4 (range 1.5-5.0). Lower caregiving esteem mediated the associations of concordance with higher PHQ-2 [indirect effect = 0.12; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.03, 0.27], greater distress (indirect effect =0.25; 95% CI 0.08, 0.48), and poorer QoL (indirect effect = -1.50; 95% CI -3.06, -0.41). Caregiving esteem partially mediated 39%, 64%, and 48% of the associations between caregiver-oncologist concordance and PHQ-2, distress, and SF-12, respectively.ConclusionsCaregiver-oncologist concordance was associated with lower caregiving esteem. Lower caregiving esteem mediated the negative relationship between caregiver-oncologist concordance and caregiver outcomes.
| S-EPMC9283218 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe modified Rankin Scale (mRS) is the most common endpoint in acute stroke trials, but its power is limited when analyzed dichotomously and its indication of effect size is challenging to interpret when analyzed ordinally. To address these issues, the utility-weighted-mRS (UW-mRS) has been developed as a patient-centered, linear scale. However, appropriate data visualizations of UW-mRS results are needed, as current stacked bar chart displays do not convey crucial utility-weighting information.Design/methodsTwo UW-mRS display formats were devised: (1) Utility Staircase charts, and (2) choropleth-stacked-bar-charts (CSBCs). In Utility Staircase displays, mRS segment height reflects the utility value of each mRS level. In CSBCs, mRS segment color intensity reflects the utility of each mRS level. Utility Staircase and CSBC figures were generated for 15 randomized comparisons of acute ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke therapies, including fibrinolysis, endovascular reperfusion, blood pressure moderation, and hemicraniectomy. Display accuracy in showing utility outcomes was assessed with the Tufte-lie-factor and ease-of-use assessed by formal ratings completed by a panel of 4 neurologists and emergency physicians and one nurse-coordinator.ResultsThe Utility Staircase and CSBC displays rapidly conveyed patient-centered valuation of trial outcome distributions not available in conventional ordinal stacked bar charts. Tufte-lie-factor (LF) scores indicated "substantial distortion" of utility-valued outcomes for 93% (14/15) of conventional stacked bar charts, vs. "no distortion" for all Utility Staircase and CSBC displays. Clinician ratings on the Figural Display Questionnaire indicated that utility information encoded in row height (Utility Staircase display) was more readily assimilated than that conveyed in segment hue intensity (CSBC), both superior to conventional stacked bar charts.ConclusionsUtility Staircase displays are an efficient graphical format for conveying utility weighted-modified Rankin Scale primary endpoint results of acute stroke trials, and choropleth-stacked-bar-charts a good alternative. Both are more accurate in depicting quantitative, health-related quality of life results and preferred by clinician users for utility results visualization, compared with conventional stacked bar charts.
| S-EPMC9136165 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundDespite yoga's popularity, few clinical trials have employed rigorous methodology to systematically explore its functional benefits compared with more established forms of exercise. The objective of this study was to compare the functional benefits of yoga with the conventional stretching-strengthening exercises recommended for adults.MethodsSedentary healthy adults (N = 118; M age = 62.0) participated in an 8-week (three times a week for 1 hour) randomized controlled trial, which consisted of a Hatha yoga group (n = 61) and a stretching-strengthening exercise group (n = 57). Standardized functional fitness tests assessing balance, strength, flexibility, and mobility were administered at baseline and postintervention.ResultsA repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance showed a significant time effect for measures of balance [F(3,18) = 4.88, p < .01, partial η(2) = .45], strength [F(2,19) = 15.37, p < .001, partial η(2) = .62], flexibility [F(4,17) = 8.86, p < .001, partial η(2) = .68], and mobility [F(2,19) = 8.54, p < .002, partial η(2) = .47]. Both groups showed significant improvements on measures of balance (left-right leg and four square step); strength (chair stands and arm curls); flexibility (back scratch and sit-and-reach); and mobility (gait speed and 8-feet up and go), with partial η(2) ranging from .05 to .47.ConclusionsThese data suggest that regular yoga practice is just as effective as stretching-strengthening exercises in improving functional fitness. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine functional benefits of yoga in comparison with stretching-strengthening exercises in sedentary, healthy, community-dwelling older adults. These findings have clinical implications as yoga is a more amenable form of exercise than strengthening exercises as it requires minimal equipment and can be adapted for individuals with lower levels of functioning or disabilities.
| S-EPMC5864160 | biostudies-literature
Project description:While several large pivotal clinical trials recently revealed a substantial benefit of endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large-vessel occlusion, many patients still experience mediocre prognosis. Enlargement of the ischemic core, failed revascularization, incomplete reperfusion, distal embolization, and secondary reperfusion injury substantially impact the salvaging of brain tissue and the functional outcomes of AIS. Here, we propose novel concept of "Multiphase Adjuvant Neuroprotection" as a new paradigm that may help guide our search for adjunctive treatments to be used together with thrombectomy. The premise of multiphase adjuvant neuroprotection is based on the diverse and potentially nonoverlapping pathophysiologic mechanisms that are triggered before, during, and after thrombectomy therapies. Before thrombectomy, strategies should focus on preventing the growth of the ischemic core; during thrombectomy, improving recanalization while reducing distal embolization and maximizing reperfusion are of significant importance; after reperfusion, strategies should focus on seeking targets to reduce secondary reperfusion injury. The concept of multiphase adjuvant neuroprotection, wherein different strategies are employed throughout the various phases of clinical care, might provide a paradigm to minimize the final infarct size and improve functional outcome in AIS patients treated with thrombectomy. With the success of thrombectomy in selected AIS patients, there is now an opportunity to revisit stroke neuroprotection. Notably, if the underlying mechanisms of these neuroprotective strategies are identified, their role in the distinct phases will provide further avenues to improve patient outcomes of AIS.
| S-EPMC7045534 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Approximately 800,000 people in the United States have a stroke annually. Up to two thirds of stroke survivors have some visual problems, which result in disability and can affect survivors' overall rehabilitation outcomes. Although some post-stroke visual impairments can be corrected and respond well to intervention, ocular signs can be subtle and may not be recognized or reported by the stroke survivor but rather by a vigilant caregiver. The purpose of this study was to explore the post-stroke visual concerns and consequences expressed by stroke survivors and caregivers. This study employed a qualitative design using semistructured interviews conducted with a convenience sample of stroke survivors and caregivers recruited from either a community support group or skilled nursing and long-term care facilities. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Comparative content analysis was used to identify vision-related themes by two independent coders. All research team members completed quality checking of coding. Twenty participants (11 stroke survivors and 9 caregivers) expressed visual concerns or consequences following stroke: (1) eye movement problems, (2) perceptual issues, and (3) consequences of vision problems or issues, which affected their daily life/quality of life. Stroke survivors and caregivers reported receiving vision care from (1) eye doctors, (2) occupational therapists, and (3) other healthcare professionals. All vision care providers need to be observant of potential post-stroke visual concerns. Stroke survivors should have a thorough vision evaluation to optimize their independence in everyday activities and quality of life.
| S-EPMC6193320 | biostudies-other
Project description:OBJECTIVE:The goal of this trial is to evaluate a novel intervention designed to improve post-hospitalization support for older adults with chronic conditions via: (a) direct tailored communication to patients using regular automated calls post discharge, (b) support for informal caregivers outside of the patient's household via structured automated feedback about the patient's status plus advice about how caregivers can help, and (c) support for care management including a web-based disease management tool and alerts about potential problems. METHODS:846 older adults with common chronic conditions are being identified upon hospital admission. Patients are asked to identify a "CarePartner" (CP) living outside their household, i.e., an adult child or other social network member willing to play an active role in their post-discharge transition support. Patient-CP pairs are randomized to the intervention or usual care. Intervention patients receive automated assessment and behavior change calls, and their CPs receives structured feedback and advice via email and automated calls following each assessment. Clinical teams have access to assessment results via the web and receive automated reports about urgent health problems. Patients complete surveys at baseline, 30 days, and 90 days post discharge; utilization data is obtained from hospital records. CPs, other caregivers, and clinicians are interviewed to evaluate intervention effects on processes of self-care support, caregiver stress and communication, and the intervention's potential for broader implementation. The primary outcome is 30-day readmission rates; other outcomes measured at 30 days and 90 days include functional status, self-care behaviors, and mortality risk. CONCLUSION:This trial uses accessible health technologies and coordinated communication among informal caregivers and clinicians to fill the growing gap between what discharged patients need and available resources. A unique feature of the intervention is the provision of transition support not only for patients but also for their informal caregivers.
| S-EPMC4711915 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundRecovery of walking ability is an important goal for patients poststroke, and a basic level of mobility is critical for an early discharge home. Caregiver-mediated exercises could be a resource-efficient strategy to augment exercise therapy and improve mobility in the first months poststroke. A combination of telerehabilitation and face-to-face support, blended care, may empower patient-caregiver dyads and smoothen the transition from professional support to self-management. The Armed4Stroke study aims to investigate the effects of a caregiver-mediated exercise program using a blended care approach in addition to usual care, on recovery of mobility in the first 6 months poststroke.MethodsA multicentre, observer-blinded randomized clinical trial in which 74 patient-caregiver dyads will be enrolled in the first 3 months poststroke. Dyads are randomly allocated to a caregiver-mediated exercises intervention or to a control group. The primary endpoint is the self-reported mobility domain of the Stroke Impact Scale. Secondary endpoints include care transition preparedness and psychological functioning of dyads, length of inpatient stay, gait-related measures and extended ADL of patients, and caregiver burden. Outcomes are assessed at enrolment, end of treatment and 6 months follow-up.ResultsDuring 8 weeks, caregivers are trained to become an exercise coach using a blended care approach. Dyads will receive a tailor-made, progressive training program containing task-specific exercises focusing on gait, balance, physical activity and outdoor activities. Dyads are asked to perform the training program a minimum of 5 times a week for 30 min per session, supported by a web-based telerehabilitation system with instruction videos and a messaging environment to communicate with their physiotherapist.ConclusionsWe hypothesize that the Armed4Stroke program will increase self-reported mobility and independence in ADL, facilitating an early discharge poststroke. In addition, we hypothesize that active involvement of caregivers and providing support using blended care, will improve the care transition when professional support tapers off. Therefore, the Armed4Stroke program may complement early supported discharge services.Trial registrationNetherlands Trial Register, NL7422 . Registered 11 December 2018.
| S-EPMC8762867 | biostudies-literature