Effects of Physiotherapy-Based Training and Involvement of Informal Caregivers on Selected Rehabilitative Outcomes of Stroke Survivors

Abstract

Cozens Bankole Aiyejusunle, Sunday Rufus Akinwumi Akinbo, Olajide Ayinla Olawale

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of physiotherapy-based training and involvement of informal caregivers (ICGs) on selected rehabilitative outcomes of stroke survivors (SSs).
Methods: Seventy-one (71) pairs of ICGs and SSs, which is 142 participants, comprising 39 pairs in the study group (STG) and 32 pairs in the control group (CTG) completed the study. The mean ages of ICGs in the STG and the CTG were 38.82 ± 15.37 years and 39.16±15.01 years respectively, with no significant difference (p > 0.05) between them. The mean ages of SSs in the STG and the CTG were56.21±10.91 years and 60.03±12.11 years respectively, with no significant difference (p > 0.05) between them. The ICGs in the STG had a physiotherapy-based training the ICGs in the CTG had no such training. All the SSs in both groups received conventional physiotherapy. Barthel Index (BI}, Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), and Stroke Specific Quality of Life (SSQoL) were used to evaluate the SSs at baseline and after the 12thweek of treatment. Statistical analyses involved both descriptive and inferential statistics. The level of significance was set at p<0.05.
Results: There was a higher significant improvement (p= 0.001) in the BI score of the STG than that of the CTG (p= 0.012). SIS scores showed significant improvement in the SSs’ strength (p= 0.001); ability to use the hand (p=0.004); balance, and participation (p=0.000). SSQoL scores showed there were significant improvement in the SSs’ family roles (p= 0.002); language (p=0.005); mobility (p= 0.003); self-care, social roles and upper limbs (p=0.000). The male ICGs had a positive impact on the SSQoL outcome (p= 0.025), strength (p= 0.010), and balance (p= 0.013) of the SSs. The ICGs’ age had a positive relationship with the SSs’ ability to use the hand (p= 0.018), and participation (p= 0.020). ICGs as family members had a positive impact on the SSs quality of life and activity level. In the CTG, SIS scores showed significant improvement in strength (p= 0.005); activity (p=0.002); balance (p=0.019); ability to use the hand (p=0.003) and participation (p=0.001). SSQoL scores showed there was significant improvement in the SSs’ mobility (p= 0.019); selfcare, social roles and upper limbs (p= 0.000).
Conclusion: The findings of this study reveal that physiotherapy-based training and involvement of Informal caregivers had significant effects on physical function such as walking, stair climbing, and bathing as well as the quality of life of stroke survivors

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