DSpace Collection: Physiotherapy (Scholarly Publications)

Family-mediated exercise intervention (FAME): evaluation of a novel form of exercise delivery after stroke.

2011-07-01T14:09:11Z

Title: Family-mediated exercise intervention (FAME): evaluation of a novel form of exercise delivery after stroke. Author: STOKES, EMMA KATHERINE; GALVIN, ROSEMARIE; O'GRADY, ELEANOR Abstract: BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Additional exercise therapy has been shown to have a positive impact on function after acute stroke and research is now focusing on methods to increase the amount of therapy that is delivered. This randomized controlled trial examined the impact of additional family-mediated exercise (FAME) therapy on outcome after acute stroke. METHODS: Forty participants with acute stroke were randomly assigned to either a control group who received routine therapy with no formal input from their family members or a FAME group, who received routine therapy and additional lower limb FAME therapy for 8 weeks. The primary outcome measure used was the lower limb section of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment modified by Lindmark. Other measures of impairment, activity, and participation were completed at baseline, postintervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in favor of the FAME group were noted on all measures of impairment and activity postintervention (P<0.05). These improvements persisted at the 3-month follow-up but only walking was statistically significant (P<0.05). Participants in the FAME group were also significantly more integrated into their community at follow-up (P<0.05). Family members in the FAME group reported a significant decrease in their levels of caregiver strain at the follow-up when compared with those in the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This evidence-based FAME intervention can serve to optimize patient recovery and family involvement after acute stroke at the same time as being mindful of available resources. Description: PUBLISHED

Family mediated exercise intervention [FAME]: evaluation of a novel form of exercise delivery after stroke

2012-02-15T03:31:43Z

Title: Family mediated exercise intervention [FAME]: evaluation of a novel form of exercise delivery after stroke Author: STOKES, EMMA KATHERINE; GALVIN, ROSEMARIE; O'GRADY, ELEANOR Abstract: Background and Purpose—Additional exercise therapy has been shown to have a positive impact on function after acute stroke and research is now focusing on methods to increase the amount of therapy that is delivered. This randomized controlled trial examined the impact of additional family-mediated exercise (FAME) therapy on outcome after acute stroke. Methods—Forty participants with acute stroke were randomly assigned to either a control group who received routine therapy with no formal input from their family members or a FAME group, who received routine therapy and additional lower limb FAME therapy for 8 weeks. The primary outcome measure used was the lower limb section of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment modified by Lindmark. Other measures of impairment, activity, and participation were completed at baseline, postintervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. Results—Statistically significant differences in favor of the FAME group were noted on all measures of impairment and activity postintervention (P<0.05). These improvements persisted at the 3-month follow-up but only walking was statistically significant (P<0.05). Participants in the FAME group were also significantly more integrated into their community at follow-up (P<0.05). Family members in the FAME group reported a significant decrease in their levels of caregiver strain at the follow-up when compared with those in the control group (P<0.01). Conclusions—This evidence-based FAME intervention can serve to optimize patient recovery and family involvement after acute stroke at the same time as being mindful of available resources. Description: PUBLISHED

'Pragmatic randomized controlled trial of individually prescribed exercise versus usual care in a heterogeneous cancer survivor population': a feasibility study PEACH trial: prescribed exercise after chemotherapy.

2011-02-01T16:22:35Z

Title: 'Pragmatic randomized controlled trial of individually prescribed exercise versus usual care in a heterogeneous cancer survivor population': a feasibility study PEACH trial: prescribed exercise after chemotherapy. Author: O'DONNELL, DEARBHAILE MAIRI; WALSH, JULIE; GUINAN, EMER; HUSSEY, JULIETTE M Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many cancer survivors suffer a range of physical and psychological symptoms which may persist for months or years after cessation of treatment. Despite the known benefits of exercise and its potential to address many of the adverse effects of treatment, the role of exercise as well as optimum duration, frequency, and intensity in this population has yet to be fully elucidated. Many cancer rehabilitation programmes presented in the literature are very long and have tight eligibility criteria which make them non-applicable to the majority of cancer survivors. This paper presents the protocol of a novel 8-week intervention which aims to increase fitness, and address other physical symptoms in a heterogeneous cancer survivor population. METHODS/DESIGN: The aim is to recruit 64 cancer survivors 2-6 months after completion of chemotherapy, usually adjuvant, with curative intent. Subjects will be recruited through oncology clinics in a single institution and randomised to usual care or an exercise intervention. The exercise intervention consists of two specifically tailored supervised moderate intensity aerobic exercise sessions weekly over 8-weeks. All participants will be assessed at baseline (0 weeks), at the end of the intervention (8 weeks), and at 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome measure is fitness, and secondary patient-related outcome measures include fatigue, quality of life, and morphological outcomes. A further secondary outcome is process evaluation including adherence to and compliance with the exercise program. DISCUSSION: This study will provide valuable information about the physical outcomes of this 8-week supervised aerobic programme. Additionally, process information and economic evaluation will inform the feasibility of implementing this program in a heterogeneous population post cessation of chemotherapy. Description: PUBLISHED

A randomised controlled trial evaluating family mediated exercise (FAME) therapy following stroke

2010-06-03T15:56:56Z

Title: A randomised controlled trial evaluating family mediated exercise (FAME) therapy following stroke Author: GALVIN, ROSEMARIE; STOKES, EMMA KATHERINE Abstract: Stroke is a leading cause of disability among adults worldwide. Evidence suggests that increased duration of exercise therapy following stroke has a positive impact on functional outcome following stroke. The main objective of this randomised controlled trial is to evaluate the impact of additional family assisted exercise therapy in people with acute stroke. Description: PUBLISHED

A randomised controlled trial evaluating the effect of an individual auditory cueing device on freezing and gait speed in people with Parkinson's disease

2010-06-03T15:56:56Z

Title: A randomised controlled trial evaluating the effect of an individual auditory cueing device on freezing and gait speed in people with Parkinson's disease Author: GALVIN, ROSEMARIE; STOKES, EMMA KATHERINE Abstract: Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder resulting from a degeneration of dopamine producing cells in the substantia nigra. Clinical symptoms typically affect gait pattern and motor performance. Evidence suggests that the use of individual auditory cueing devices may be used effectively for the management of gait and freezing in people with Parkinson's disease. The primary aim of the randomised controlled trial is to evaluate the effect of an individual auditory cueing device on freezing and gait speed in people with Parkinson's disease. Description: PUBLISHED