Effect of a Semiotically-Optimized Video Education Model on Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

Stroke rehabilitation requires patients to acquire and retain complex self-care knowledge, yet cognitive impairments following stroke often limit their ability to process standard verbal and written health education. Conventional video-based education, while beneficial, frequently presents information in ways that overlook patients' cognitive load and perceptual limitations. Semiotic theory - the systematic study of how signs, symbols, and multimodal cues construct meaning - offers a framework for redesigning educational content to enhance comprehension, retention, and behavioral adoption.

This is a randomized controlled trial conducted at the Rehabilitation Department of Siping Central Hospital, with the intervention period scheduled from January to December 2023. The intervention was developed by a multidisciplinary team of eight specialists and nurses from the Rehabilitation and Neurology Departments. Twenty-two educational videos were produced across three domains: rehabilitation science, exercise guidance, and dietary advice. Each video averaged five to eight minutes in duration. In the experimental group, videos were redesigned using semiotic principles: key rehabilitation actions were highlighted through local magnification with bold, red subtitles and auditory cues; incorrect postures were filmed and contrasted with correct demonstrations using comparative visual cues; and a curated music library was integrated to support relaxation and sleep. Video feedback techniques were also employed, including on-site assessment of movement accuracy and post-training questioning to evaluate knowledge retention. The intervention was delivered twice daily under nursing supervision throughout the 28-day inpatient rehabilitation period.

The control group received standard care with the same set of rehabilitation videos delivered through routine face-to-face guidance, without semiotic optimization or structured video feedback. The primary objective is to evaluate whether the semiotically-optimized video education model can improve activities of daily living compared to standard video education. Secondary objectives will assess changes in sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and patient satisfaction.

Inclusion criteria

• Imaging-confirmed cerebral infarction per 2019 Chinese Guidelines
• Age ≥18 years
• Stable condition during rehabilitation phase
• Alert, able to comprehend and operate video playback
• Signed informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Incomplete records, inaccurate data, or failure to complete the intervention