Prep Plus: Upper Limb Stroke Rehabilitation in the Community

The main objectives for overall study is to assess acceptability of the demand of the trial as well as the PREP Plus intervention placed on survivors and their carers. Within this mixed methods study, the investigators aim to recruit participants in a total of three waves. Each site will deliver 6 weeks of the intervention / control with a new set of participants before post intervention qualitative measures (focus groups and 1:1 interviews) are used to inform the design of the next wave. With having the trial in three waves, their objective is to optimise the design of upper limb rehab and the delivery by therapists with preparing them with adequate training and resources aimed toward upper limb rehab in survivors of stroke.

Participant recruitment will integrate into the current PREP programme design.

All participants will complete one hour of circuit-based exercises followed by one hour of education. The exercise stations will focus on lower body/cardiovascular fitness station and upper limb strength exercises. Each week the amount of time spent at each station will be increased by 30 seconds resulting in a final 3 minutes at each station. Those in the intervention group, will have an additional five exercises that focus on upper limb stretching, arm stretching, hand stretching, coordination, and hand skills.

Inclusion criteria

Diagnosis of stroke

Have completed statutory rehabilitation

Able to follow two part written or spoken commands

Are medically fit to complete exercise, as determined by their GP

Having an impairment of their upper limb, as identified by the participant and/ or their community stroke team.

Exclusion criteria

Pain score of 5/more in their impaired upper limb. Not participating in any other trial