Do predetermined patterns of movement to treat older stroke adults achieve better results? : a pilot study

Abstract

There is currently limited research concerning a uniform protocol of therapeutic techniques to be used in the rehabilitation of stroke, within the occupational therapy domain. This study was set out to explore the effectiveness of the use of such therapeutic techniques. A qualitative research method was adopted in order to gather data regarding the perceptions of the occupational therapists implementing the specific therapeutic techniques and whether these were effective in achieving a functional sitting position four weeks after stroke Eight occupational therapists and two assistant principles working in the neurorehabilitation areas were taught all set of therapeutic techniques to be used with clients who had suffered from a recent stroke. This process was carried out under the supervision of the general manager of Occupational therapy. The therapists implemented these techniques in addition to regular occupational therapy intervention with clients who had suffered a stroke in less than six months. These techniques had to be carried out in four weeks. Data collection took place in Karen Grech Hospital where a focus group was carried out. The focus group consisted of all occupational therapists who participated in the study and their discussion regarding their perceptions and the results they obtained when using a uniform set of therapeutic techniques with stroke patients. The group was recorded on audiotape and transcribed verbatim. The transcriptions were revised and two dominant themes were highlighted. A set of sub themes were also identified. The results which were gathered from the discussions of the focus groups, were, that the occupational therapists who participated in the study, feel that there is a need in Malta to have a stroke unit. They also said that it is essential to have a uniform therapeutic protocol to use with specific diagnoses. The participants remarked that these techniques were found to be beneficial to the patients who received them in addition to their regular therapeutic intervention. Hopefully a more thorough study will be carried out in order to be able to explore further the benefits of this protocol on a bigger population and thus gain more validity and be implemented in hospitals as normal regimen in stroke rehabilitation.