What influences stroke survivors with physical disabilities to be physically active? A qualitative study informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework.

BACKGROUND: Although the benefits of regular physical activity (PA) after stroke are well established, many stroke survivors do not achieve recommended PA levels. To date, studies exploring determinants to PA have not used a behaviour change theory and focused on stroke survivors with physical disabilities. As a precursor to an intervention development study, we aimed to use the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to identify factors influencing PA in stroke survivors with physical disabilities in Singapore. METHODS: Between November 2021 and January 2022, we conducted interviews with 19 community-dwelling stroke survivors with a weak arm and/or leg. An interview guide based on the TDF was developed. We analysed the data deductively by coding interview transcripts into the theoretical domains of the TDF, and then inductively by generating themes and belief statements. To identify relevant TDF domains, we prioritised the domains based on the frequencies of the belief statements, presence of conflicting belief statements and evidence of strong belief statements. RESULTS: Eight of the 14 TDF domains were relevant, and included environmental context and resources, knowledge, social influences, emotion, reinforcement, behavioural regulation, skills and beliefs about capabilities. The lack of access, suitable equipment and skilled help often limited PA participation at public fitness spaces such as parks, gyms and swimming pools (environmental context and resources). While a few stroke survivors expressed that they had the skills to engage in regular PA, most expressed not knowing how much and how hard to work, which exercises to do, which equipment to use and how to adapt exercises and equipment (knowledge and skills). This often left them feeling afraid to try new activities or venture out to new places for fear of the unknown or adverse events (e.g., falls) (emotion). For some, doing the activities in a group encourage them to get out and engage in PA (social influences). CONCLUSIONS: In stroke survivors with physical disabilities, environmental context and resources had a significant influence on PA participation, and this often had a spill over effect into other domains. Our results inform a complex behaviour change intervention to improve PA after stroke, and has implications for intervention design for people with physical disabilities.

Age-specific information resources to address the needs of young people with stroke: a scoping review protocol.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Young people with stroke (YPwS) persistently experience challenges with disability, social reintegration, employment, and financial stability to provide for themselves and their families. The aims of this scoping review are to (1) identify and collate information resources for YPwS and evidence-based self-managements programs and (2) identify gaps in age-specific resources available for YPwS after traditional rehabilitation services have ended and/or who are returning to live in the community. METHODS: We will include both qualitative and quantitative studies, including all study designs. Participants will be community-dwelling adults aged between 18 and 65 years with a clinical diagnosis of stroke. We will include information resources and evidence-based self-managements programs for YPwS. Search terms will include stroke, young people, and community dwelling. We will search electronic databases such as MEDLINE. The reference lists of included studies, systematic reviews, and stroke guidelines and stroke-specific websites will also be searched. We will also contact Stroke Support Organizations and international/national allied health professional organisations to gather information resources about YPwS. We will also conduct a comprehensive environmental scan of additional resources using the search engine Google. The titles, abstracts, full-text articles, and contents of the resources identified by the search will be assessed against the inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify potentially relevant resources. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Existing resources and self-management programs will be collated and categorized according to the type of needs addressed such as physical, emotions, activities of daily living, information, relationships, and social needs as well as the key gaps identified.

Incidence and predictors of contracture after spinal cord injury--a prospective cohort study.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: To determine incidence of contracture and develop prediction models to identify patients susceptible to contracture after spinal cord injury. SETTING: Two Sydney spinal cord injury units. METHODS: A total of 92 consecutive patients with acute spinal cord injury were assessed within 35 days of injury and 1 year later. Incidence of contracture at 1 year was measured in all major appendicular joints by categorizing range of motion on a 4-point scale (0-no contracture to 3-severe contracture), and in the wrist, elbow, hip and ankle by measuring range of motion at standardized torque. Multivariate models were developed to predict contracture at 1 year using age, neurological status, spasticity, pain and limb fracture recorded at the time of injury. RESULTS: At 1 year, 66% of participants developed at least one contracture (defined as ≥1 point deterioration on the 4-point scale). Incidence of contracture at each joint was: shoulder 43%, elbow and forearm 33%, wrist and hand 41%, hip 32%, knee 11% and ankle 40%. Incidence of contracture determined by standardized torque measures of range (defined as loss of ≥10 degrees) was: elbow 27%, wrist 26%, hip 23% and ankle 25%. Prediction models were statistically significant but lacked sufficient predictive accuracy to be clinically useful (R(2)≤31%). CONCLUSION: The incidence of contracture in major joints 1 year after spinal cord injury ranges from 11-43%. The ankle, wrist and shoulder are most commonly affected. It is difficult to accurately predict those susceptible to contracture soon after injury.