Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
Spring 4-10-2025
Faculty Mentor
Na Jin Seo
Abstract
In post-stroke rehabilitation, the high number of task practice repetitions needed for neural plastic recovery cannot be achieved within standard therapy sessions alone. Home exercise programs (HEP) are prescribed to augment the needed repetitions. However, adherence is often poor, leading to suboptimal functional recovery. Our long-term goal is to develop tools to assist with HEP adherence. Toward this goal, the objective of our study is to investigate: (1) common barriers to HEP adherence, (2) problem-solving solutions, and (3) the impact of these solutions on adherence levels. Participants received standardized upper extremity rehabilitation therapy along with HEP for 6 weeks. Barriers to HEP adherence reported by patients, problem-solving solutions provided by therapists, and HEP adherence logs were obtained at each therapy visit. Common barriers were identified as: exercise too hard, fatigue, pain, impatient/frustrated, forgot, time, not in daily routine, and assistance needed. Common solutions were identified as: adapt HEP exercises, education on proper technique, reminders, encourage HEP, and caregiver education. HEP adherence levels tended to improve in response to the provided solutions. The impact of this study is that identification of common barriers and efficacy of solutions to HEP adherence will provide the groundwork to improve HEP adherence and maximize functional recovery post-stroke.
Recommended Citation
Paulk, Caroline R., "Home Exercise Program Adherence in Stroke Rehabilitation: Analyzing Barriers and Evaluating the Efficacy of Problem-Solving Consultations" (2025). Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium. 47.
https://medica-musc.researchcommons.org/muscotd-elotd/47