SOFIA KANGEDAL: Physical exercise as a treatment for post-stroke fatigue

Project description

Background

Stroke affects approximately 25 000 people in Sweden every year. One consequence of stroke is brain fatigue, so-called post-stroke fatigue (PSF). About half of stroke sufferers suffer from PSF. Unlike post-stroke motor impairments, PSF is a more invisible disability, which can make the condition difficult for those around you to understand and can negatively affect relationships with family and friends. PSF can lead to reduced activity capacity due to challenges to participate in physical and social activities and in the long run lead to a poorer quality of life. The cause of PSF is not fully understood but can be assumed to be multifactorial. There are several different forms of treatment for PSF. Medical treatment in the form of antidepressants is used as PSF is often associated with depressive symptoms. There are also non-pharmacological treatments such as mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and acupuncture.

Aim

The overall aim of the thesis is to investigate whether structured physical exercise can reduce PSF and how people with PSF experience physical exercise as a treatment for PSF.

Method

• Part 1 is a systematic literature review to examine the state of research regarding physical activity and exercise as a treatment for PSF.
  
  
• Part 2 is a feasibility study to evaluate the feasibility of a study design with RCT design for people with PSF. The treatment group will carry out structured strength training in groups 2 times a week and physical activity at home for 150 minutes. The control group carries out physical activity at home for at least 150 min/week.
  
  
• Part 3 will evaluate the effect of the intervention carried out in part 2, in a randomized controlled intervention study.
  
  
• Part 4 is a qualitative study with the aim of examining the participants' experiences of the treatment in part 3 regarding the impact on PSF through individual interviews

Relevance

Physical activity and exercise have good effects on recovery after stroke. However, structured training as a treatment for PSF is sparsely researched and can in the long term contribute to increased quality of life. Training in groups can give the participant structure and the opportunity for social interactions, which in itself can have positive effects on quality of life. The treatment is planned to be designed so that it will be practically feasible and easy to implement in clinical practice. Our hope is that we will be able to see the effects of group training on PSF, which for the individual can mean reduced PSF, an increased quality of life, and greater opportunities for an active life. With a treatment that can have a good effect on both functional ability and fatigue, the need for other resources, such as home care and support from relatives, can be reduced.