Effects of Two Home Ergonomics Programmes in Post-stroke Patients

Effects of Two Home Ergonomics Programmes on Post-stroke Patients' Quality of Life and Functional Capacity: a Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial

The main objective of the clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of two home ergonomics programmes, by reference to a control group, on functional capacity and quality of life in post-stroke patients.

For post-stroke patients, rehabilitation must address different aspects. When the resulting condition has become established, treatment should take the form of a mixed intervention model, incorporating preventive, rehabilitational and compensatory or adaptive approaches, aimed at enhancing the patient's performance within the environment. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are key disciplines in the composition of multi- and inter-disciplinary teams for the care of stroke patients. In this clinical trial we evaluate the effectiveness of two programmes of ergonomic intervention in the home, with respect to levels of functionality (performance of activities of daily living) and the quality of life of post-stroke patients, by reference to a control group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• stroke diagnosed 6-24 months previously
• aged over 18 years
• ability to speak and understand Portuguese.

Exclusion Criteria:

• severe cognitive deficit
• severe aphasia
• other associated neurological disease
• musculoskeletal pathology
• drug or alcohol abuse.