Experiences of diagnostic ultrasound-guided shoulder rehabilitation programme for people with stroke: A qualitative study

Kumar, Praveen; Murphy, Zara; Dean, Michael; Rondel, Sam; Burn, James; Naylor, Zoe; Montgomery, Ollie; Pearson, Jen

Abstract

Stroke is a leading cause of disability in western world. Loss of motor control leads to a range of musculoskeletal complications in the shoulder region in people with stroke. These include shoulder pain, shoulder subluxation, muscle weakness and tightness. Our previous work showed that diagnostic ultrasound guided shoulder rehabilitation improved outcomes in stroke survivors. The aim of this study was to explore physiotherapists and patients experiences of the shoulder rehabilitation programme that was informed following ultrasound scanning.
Method: A qualitative study consisting of semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with stroke survivors (n=3) and physiotherapists (n=3) in South Wales. Data were analysed using principles of thematic analysis.
Results: Four themes emerged: 1) ‘Ultrasound informed treatment’: both physiotherapists and patients reported that ultrasound imaging enhanced their understanding of deficits in the shoulder and facilitated problem specific treatment. 2) ‘Psychological benefits to patients’: patients understanding of the problems resulted in compliance and high participation satisfaction towards the rehabilitation programme. 3)
‘Physical and functional benefits’: all three patients achieved improved range of movement in shoulder and therapists described improvements in other aspects such as gait and functional independence. 4) ‘Resource intensive’: The cost, training involved with ultrasound may impose practical challenges for its wider use.
Conclusion: This study provides valuable insight into the personal experiences of novel approaches to shoulder rehabilitation in people with stroke. Physiotherapists were able to target the problem and provide specific exercises which improved patients’ outcomes. These findings can be used to guide both the development and evaluation of problem specific shoulder rehabilitation programme to improve functional outcomes in people with stroke.

Citation

Kumar, P., Murphy, Z., Dean, M., Rondel, S., Burn, J., Naylor, Z., …Pearson, J. (2018, December). Experiences of diagnostic ultrasound-guided shoulder rehabilitation programme for people with stroke: A qualitative study. Poster presented at UK Stroke Forum, Telford

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: UK Stroke Forum
• Conference Location: Telford
• Start Date: Dec 4, 2018
• End Date: Dec 6, 2018
• Deposit Date: Dec 10, 2022
• Keywords: Neurology
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10235502
• Related Public URLs: https://www.stroke.org.uk/professionals/uk-stroke-forum