Comprehensive core stability intervention and coordination of care in acute and subacute stroke rehabilitation—a pilot study

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility and preliminary effects of new intervention emphasising core stability training integrated in functional activity (I-CoreDIST), supported by clinical Skype sessions to coordinate between health care levels among acute stroke patients.

Methods: A baseline-, 4- and 12-week post-test design, including 13 individuals with acute stroke who received I-CoreDIST 5–6 day/week for 30–60 min as inpatients and three times a week as outpatients, for a total of 12 weeks.

Primary outcomes: Trunk Impairment Scale-Norwegian Version (TIS-NV) and Swedish Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke-Norwegian Version (SwePASS-NV). Secondary outcomes: The Mini-BESTest, 10-m Walk Test, 2-min Walk Test, ActiGraphWgt3X-BT monitors and Questback. Linear mixed models and non-parametric tests were used for the analysis.

Results: The TIS-NV demonstrated significant within-group improvements: mean difference 2.36 points at 4 weeks (p = .006) and 5.09 points at 12 weeks (p < .000) compared to baseline. The SwePASS-NV showed significant within-group improvements compared to baseline: mean difference 6.91 points at 4 weeks (p = .005) and 9.64 points at 12 weeks (p < .000). The secondary outcomes showed significant within-group improvements at 12 weeks. The Skype sessions are valuable but not applicable prior to discharge.

Conclusions: I-CoreDIST is feasible, indicate effects, and Skype sessions should be re-scheduled. Randomised controlled trials are warranted.

Keywords:

• Trunk stability
• continuity of care
• multidisciplinary
• balance
• gait
• stroke rehabilitation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.