Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

4-9-2026

Faculty Mentor

Michelle Woodbury

Abstract

Importance

Stoke survivors often find it difficult to adhere to home exercise programs (HEPs), specifically those that are repetitive, impairment-based, or require technology, which can create barriers related to digital literacy, cognitive load, and access (Mahmood et al., 2019; Bol et al., 2018; Verma et al., 2022; Lang et al., 2007).

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility, usability and acceptability, and perceived usefulness of a low-burden, client-centered home activity program for adults with chronic stroke.

Design

A mix-methods feasibility study using structured quantitative measures and semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted after one week of home activity use.

Setting

MUSC Stroke Recovery Research Center

Participants

Five adults with chronic stroke, upper extremity motor impairments, and cognitive/language capacity to follow instructions and provide feedback

Intervention

Participants received 2-3 recovery-aligned home activity handouts designed to promote functional arm use. Activities were selected using constructs from the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) to support volition, habituation, and performance capacity (Kielhofner, 2018).

Outcomes and Measures

Results from the Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM) and Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM) to collect quantitative outcomes. Qualitative outcomes explored clarity, meaningfulness, barriers, facilitators, and integration into daily routines.

Results

Participants rated the program highly across all AIM and IAM items. Qualitative themes included high usability, natural fit into daily routines, increased awareness and use of the affected arm, independence and safety, and minimal barriers.

Conclusions and Relevance

Findings support the feasibility and acceptability of a low-burden, functional home activity program for stroke survivors. This approach may offer a practical alternative to traditional or technology-based HEPs. Larger studies are needed to evaluate long-term adherence and functional outcomes.

References

Bol, N., Helberger, N., & Weert, J. C. M. (2018). Differences in mobile health app use: A source of new digital inequalities? Information, Communication & Society, 21(11), 1505–1521. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2017.1348536

Kielhofner, G. (2018). Model of human occupation: Theory and application (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.

Lang, C. E., MacDonald, J. R., & Gnip, C. (2007). Counting repetitions: An observational study of outpatient therapy for people with hemiparesis poststroke. Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy, 31(1), 3–10. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NPT.0000260568.31746.34

Mahmood, A., Kedia, S., Wyant, D. K., Ahn, S., & Bhuyan, S. S. (2019). Use of mobile health applications for health‑seeking behavior among older adults. Journal of Medical Systems, 43(6), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-019-1234-5

Verma, A., Patel, A., & Patel, S. (2022). Digital literacy and barriers to telehealth use in neurological rehabilitation. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 28(7), 512–520. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X211050123

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