Feasibility of a Remotely Delivered Step Count Intervention in Chronic Stroke

Feasibility of Engaging Stroke Survivors in a Brief Step Count Intervention During Chronic Stroke

The goal of this study is to explore the feasibility of a new approach to rehabilitation that focuses on step count. Participants will complete 6 telephone or Zoom-based sessions with an occupational therapist over 6 weeks and use a step count tracker during that time. They will also complete questionnaires, assessments, surveys, and physical activity measurements during study weeks 0 (baseline), 3 (mid-point), 7 (post-intervention) and 12 (follow-up).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Stroke diagnosis confirmed by imaging
• Stroke occurred 6 or more months before study enrollment
• Meet criteria for "inactive" on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form
• Able to identify a support person that they interact with in-person at least once per week
• Able and willing to participate fully in the study and provide informed consent or proxy consent with participant assent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently receiving care in a transitional care unit, skilled nursing facility, or other institutional care setting
• Currently receiving outpatient neurorehabilitation services (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy)
• Severe cognitive or communication impairments (inability to respond accurately to complete study screening questions or to provide informed consent or assent)
• Currently pregnant or expecting to become pregnant in the next 8 weeks Comorbid neurological disorder (Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, glioblastoma, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy)
• Comorbid cancer, currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment
• Received inpatient treatment or was hospitalized for a psychiatric condition and/or alcohol or substance abuse within the past 12 months
• Current diagnosis of a terminal illness and/or currently receiving hospice care
• History of allergic reaction to adhesives that precludes the use of an adhesive necessary for adherence to activPAL measurement
• Uses wheelchair as primary mobility aid outside of home setting
• Inability to speak, read, or understand English
• Concurrent participation in another rehabilitation intervention research study
• Resides more than 50 miles outside of the Twin Cities, Minnesota metropolitan area
• Investigator discretion for safety or adherence reasons