Feasibility of a Remotely Delivered Step Count Intervention in Chronic Stroke

Purpose

The goal of this study is to explore the feasibility of a new approach to rehabilitation that focuses on step count. Participants will complete 6 telephone or Zoom-based sessions with an occupational therapist over 6 weeks and use a step count tracker during that time. They will also complete questionnaires, assessments, surveys, and physical activity measurements during study weeks 0 (baseline), 3 (mid-point), 7 (post-intervention) and 12 (follow-up).

Conditions

  • Stroke
  • Ischemic Stroke
  • Hemorrhagic Stroke

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Over 18 Years
Eligible Sex
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  • Stroke diagnosis confirmed by imaging - Stroke occurred 6 or more months before study enrollment - Meet criteria for "inactive" on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form - Able to identify a support person that they interact with in-person at least once per week - Able and willing to participate fully in the study and provide informed consent or proxy consent with participant assent

Exclusion Criteria

  • Currently receiving care in a transitional care unit, skilled nursing facility, or other institutional care setting - Currently receiving outpatient neurorehabilitation services (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy) - Severe cognitive or communication impairments (inability to respond accurately to complete study screening questions or to provide informed consent or assent) - Currently pregnant or expecting to become pregnant in the next 8 weeks Comorbid neurological disorder (Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, glioblastoma, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy) - Comorbid cancer, currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment - Received inpatient treatment or was hospitalized for a psychiatric condition and/or alcohol or substance abuse within the past 12 months - Current diagnosis of a terminal illness and/or currently receiving hospice care - History of allergic reaction to adhesives that precludes the use of an adhesive necessary for adherence to activPAL measurement - Uses wheelchair as primary mobility aid outside of home setting - Inability to speak, read, or understand English - Concurrent participation in another rehabilitation intervention research study - Resides more than 50 miles outside of the Twin Cities, Minnesota metropolitan area - Investigator discretion for safety or adherence reasons

Study Design

Phase
N/A
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
N/A
Intervention Model
Single Group Assignment
Primary Purpose
Treatment
Masking
None (Open Label)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
PA-ChatS Intervention 		Participants will receive 6, 20-30 minute intervention sessions delivered over the telephone or using Zoom by an occupational therapist over 6 weeks (1 session/week). They will also complete self-monitoring of step counts using a pedometer.
  • Behavioral: Physical Activity Chats after Stroke (PA-ChatS)
    PA-ChatS consists of (1) self-monitoring step count using a pedometer, and (2) behavioral activation for stepping activity delivered via the telephone or Zoom and guided by the PA-ChatS workbook. Participants will receive education regarding physical activity after stroke, American Heart Association guidelines for post-stroke physical activity levels, and an overview of the intervention activities. They will then use a pedometer to monitor average daily step counts, set new step count goals (increasing by 5 to 10% of the daily average step count from the prior week), and create a specific plan for achieving the new step count goal. The interventionist will collaboratively problem solve with the participant to identify strategies to overcome barriers to stepping activity and maintain safety.

Recruiting Locations

University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455

More Details

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
University of Minnesota

Study Contact

Karli Jahnke
612-626-4046
dwell@umn.edu