Wahba, Rida (2023) A feasibility study to investigate the effect of cardiorespiratory exercises and resistance training on the working memory, attention, and quality of life of people with chronic stroke. Doctoral thesis, York St John University.

Text (Doctoral thesis) A feasibility study to investigate the effect of cardiorespiratory exercises and resistance training on the working memory, attention, and quality of life of people with chr.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only until 28 April 2025. Available under License Creative Commons Attribution No Derivatives. Download (2MB) Request a copy

Abstract

People with stroke can experience deficits in executive function, affecting participation in daily life. Cardiorespiratory exercises and resistance training have been found to improve cognition in healthy older adults, but evidence of their effect on stroke patients is limited. This study evaluated the feasibility of conducting a clinical trial to assess their effectiveness on attention, working memory and quality of life with people with stroke.
Methods: The first three phases of the Medical Research Council's Framework (MRC) for developing and evaluating Complex Interventions to Improve Health were undertaken including: literature review; an online survey exploring current physiotherapy practice with stroke patients; feasibility study. The online survey surveyed members of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology. The feasibility study used a quasi-experimental single-group pre-test post-test design. The intervention comprised 36 sessions delivered over 12 weeks. A post-intervention acceptability survey was completed after 12 weeks. Measured outcomes included the Kettle Test; Trail Making Test; Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale. Descriptive statistics and thematic data analysis were used.
Results: Survey Study: sample comprised 73 physiotherapists. Three main themes emerged: combined intervention; impact on quality of life; dependent access and assessment of executive function. Physiotherapists recognised that executive function problems impact rehabilitation potential and considered executive function in interventions. Cardiorespiratory exercises and resistance training were frequently used interventions.
Feasibility Study: three participants completed the assessments, intervention, and post intervention acceptability survey. Participants accepted the intervention and data collection procedures. Resources, locations, and settings were adequate for the small sample size. The intervention was not associated with improved attention, working memory, or quality of life.
Conclusion: The feasibility study findings did not justify a future clinical trial. This PhD contributed to the evidence-based by completing the first three phases of the MRC’s Framework, providing a foundation for the design of future studies

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Status:	Published
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General)
School/Department:	School of Science, Technology and Health
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/11428

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