Background: Recovery is typically slower in chronic stroke. Data suggests recovery remains possible, but requires extensive training. To our knowledge, there are few community services available that provide an appropriate amount of training to accelerate recovery in people with chronic stroke.
Aims: We aimed to establish a community chronic stroke rehabilitation boot camp for upper limb recovery. Our objectives were to evaluate clinical efficacy and patient experiences in participating in the boot camp.
Methods: People with chronic stroke and upper limb impairment were invited to participate in a 5 week program. The boot camp delivered 90h of training (18h per week) by a physiotherapist, with additional support from physiotherapy students. Therapy was tailored to the individual’s impairments and goals. The primary outcome measure for upper limb impairment was the Fugl-Meyer. Higher scores indicate lower impairment (max 66), with the tool having a minimal clinically important difference of 5.25 points. At the completion of the boot camp, an interview was conducted by a stroke survivor to understand patient experiences.
Results: At present, 20 participants have completed the program (13 male). Baseline motor impairment (Fugl-Meyer) was 30.7±16.7. On average, patients achieved an improvement of 11 points on the Fugl-Meyer (t(19) = 9.5, p<0.001), more than double the minimal clinically important difference. During the interview, patients reported positive outcomes regarding mental health and increased motivation. There was a common theme of enjoying the peer support and social engagement during the program.
Conclusion: The upper limb boot camp appears to promote significant arm recovery in people with chronic stroke. Benefits of the program extend beyond behavioural improvements.