A community-based exercise and education scheme for stroke survivors: a randomized controlled trial and economic evaluation

This study evaluated of a community-based exercise and education scheme for stroke survivors.  243 participants were randomized to standard care (124) or the intervention (119). The intervention exercise and education schemes held twice weekly for eight weeks, facilitated by volunteers and qualified exercise instructors (supported by a physiotherapist), each with nine participants plus carers or family members. Participants were assessed by a blinded independent assessor at two weeks before the start of the scheme, nine weeks and six months. One-year follow-up was by postal assessment. Primary outcomes: Subjective Index of Physical and Social Outcome (SIPSO); Frenchay Activities Index; Rivermead Mobility Index. NHS, social care and personal costs. Secondary outcomes included WHOQoL-Bref. Intention-to-treat basis, using non-parametric analysis were used to investigate change from baseline. Economic costs were compared in a cost-consequences analysis.  There were significant between-group changes in SIPSO physical at nine weeks and at one year. Mean cost per patient was higher in the intervention group. The difference, excluding inpatient care, was pound296.

The community scheme for stroke survivors was a low-cost intervention successful in improving physical integration, maintained at one year, when compared with standard care.

Rachel Harrington, Gordon Taylor, Sandra Hollinghurst, Mary Reed, Hazel Kay, and Victorine A Wood. A community-based exercise and education scheme for stroke survivors: a randomized controlled trial and economic evaluation. Clin Rehabil. 2010 Jan;24(1):3-15

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