Prescribing upper limb exercises after stroke: a survey of current UK therapy practice.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the current practice of physiotherapists and occupational therapists in prescribing upper limb exercises to people after stroke and to explore differences between professions and work settings.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey design.


METHODS
Occupational therapists and physiotherapists working in UK stroke rehabilitation.


RESULTS
The survey's response rate was 21.0% (n = 322); with 295 valid responses. Almost two thirds of therapists (64.7%, n = 191) agreed that they always prescribe upper limb exercises to a person with stroke if they can actively elevate their scapula and have grade 1 finger/wrist extension. Most therapists (98.6%, n = 278) prescribed exercises to be completed outside of therapy time, with exercises verbally communicated to family. Standardised upper limb specific outcome measures were used to evaluate the prescribed exercises by 21.9% (n = 62) OF THERAPISTS. DIFFERENCES WERE FOUND BETWEEN PROFESSIONS AND ACROSS WORK SETTINGS.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of prescribed upper limb exercises were of low intensity (range of motion or stretching exercises) rather than repetitive practice or strengthening exercises. The use of standardised outcome measures was low. Progression of exercises and the provision of written instructions on discharge occur less frequently in inpatient settings than outpatient and community settings.
Clinical Practice Research Unit, University of Central Lancashire, PR1 2HE Preston, United Kingdom. laconnell@uclan.ac.uk.
Louise A
LA
Connell
Naoimh E
NE
McMahon
Janice J
JJ
Eng
Caroline L
CL
Watkins
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055656:Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom; D034941:Upper Extremity