University of Texas, El Paso
What is United4Stroke (U4S)? United4Stroke is a research program at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) that aims to help stroke survivors become more active and reduce sedentary time through education, movement, and personalized coaching. Where Does It Happen? All sessions take place at: UTEP's Rehabilitation Sciences Complex located at 3333 North Mesa Street, El Paso, TX 79902 What is Involved? The program includes 12 total visits over several months: * 8 group sessions (held every two weeks) * 4 individual evaluation visits (before, during, and after the program) Who Can Participate? * Individuals 18 years of age or older who have had a stroke at least 6 months prior to joining the study. * Family caregivers may also join What Happens During the Visits? First Visit: * Learn about the study and give consent * Answer questions about memory, movement, general health, and daily activity * Do walking and mobility tests * Get fitted with a small movement sensor (ActivPAL) and a Fitbit Group Sessions (Visits 2-8): * Topics: physical activity, sitting less, balance and falls, and activities of daily living * Led by UTEP physical therapy faculty * Includes group discussions and hands-on activities * Some participants will also get one-on-one coaching to help with physical activity engagement, daily step count, and reducing sedentary behavior. Follow-Up Visits (Visits 9 and 11): * Repeat earlier tests to check progress * Share feedback about the program Final Visit (Visit 10): * Celebrate progress! * Social gathering, certificates, and a presentation of results Goal: To support stroke survivors in becoming more active and living healthier, more independent lives-step by step.
Specific Aims: Aim 1: To evaluate the adherence rate, attendance, and satisfaction associated with a community health program that combines group-based education with individual coaching sessions for stroke survivors and their caregivers. Hypothesis 1.1: A community health program incorporating group-based education and individual coaching sessions for stroke survivors will demonstrate acceptable rates of adherence and attendance. Hypothesis 1.2: Stroke survivors and their caregivers will report satisfaction with a group-based education community health program. Aim 2: To examine the effec…
Inclusion Criteria: Individuals will be included if they are ≥ 18-years old, have had a stroke at least 6 months prior to baseline assessment, have a means of transportation to the UTEP physical therapy building to attend the program/visits, and are clinically stable (the participant's health is not rapidly worsening and there may be a level of stability in their overall health status). Exclusion Criteria: Individuals will be excluded if they are unable to consent, if they do not have a means of transportation to attend the program/study visits, if they require a caregiver and the caregiver i…
The group-based education will consist of group sessions led by research staff, covering topics such as physical activity, sedentary behavior, balance and fall prevention, and activities of daily living. Social interactions amongst group members will be facilitated through group activities and discussions regarding the topics being discussed.
Individualized coaching aims to increase the participants daily step count. Participants will be encouraged to achieve step count increases of 2%, 5%, or 10% per week or visit, depending on their readiness and willingness to progress. SMART goal-setting strategies will be employed to assist with the goal setting. Participants may also receive coaching related to reducing sedentary behavior and engaging in physical activities.