The impact of a patient-directed activity program on functional outcomes and activity participation after stroke during inpatient rehabilitation-a randomized controlled trial.

Individuals post stroke are inactive, even during rehabilitation, contributing to ongoing disability and risk of secondary health conditions. Our aims were to (1) conduct a randomized controlled trial to examine the efficacy of a "Patient-Directed Activity Program" on functional outcomes in people post stroke during inpatient rehabilitation and (2) examine differences three months post inpatient rehabilitation discharge. Randomized control trial. Inpatient rehabilitation facility. Patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation post stroke. Patient-Directed Activity Program (PDAP) or control (usual care only). Both groups underwent control (three hours of therapy/day), while PDAP participants were prescribed two additional 30-minute activity sessions/day. Outcomes (Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement Measure, Functional Independence Measure, balance, physical activity, Stroke Impact Scale) were collected at admission and discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and three-month follow-up. Seventy-three patients (PDAP ( Functional outcome improvement was comparable between groups; however, PDAP participants completed more steps and perceived greater recovery.