An enriched environment increases activity in stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation in a mixed rehabilitation unit: a pilot non-randomized controlled trial. (February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Janssen, Heidi; Ada, Louise; Bernhardt, Julie; McElduff, Patrick; Pollack, Michael; Nilsson, Michael; Spratt, Neil J.
• Is Part Of: Disability and rehabilitation. Volume 36:Number 3(2014:Feb.)
• Page Start: 255
• Page End: 262
• Publication Date: 2014-02
• Subjects: People with disabilities -- Periodicals; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 617.03
• DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2013.788218
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-8288

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Purpose</italic>: An enriched environment (EE) facilitates physical, cognitive and social activity in animal models of stroke. The aim of this pilot study was to determine whether enriching the environment of a mixed rehabilitation unit increased stroke patient activity. <italic>Methods</italic>: A non- randomized controlled trial was conducted. Direct observation was used to determine the difference in change in physical, cognitive, social or any activity over 2 weeks in patients exposed to an enriched versus non-enriched environment. <italic>Results</italic>: Stroke patients in the EE (<italic>n</italic> = 15) were 1.2 (95% CI 1.0–1.4) times more likely to be engaged in any activity compared with those in a non-enriched environment (<italic>n</italic> = 14). They were 1.7 (95% CI 1.1–2.5) times more likely to be engaged in cognitive activities, 1.2 (95% CI 1.0–1.5) times more likely to be engaged in social activities, 0.7 (95% CI 0.6–0.9) times as likely to be inactive and alone and 0.5 (95% CI 0.4–0.7) times as likely to be asleep than patients without enrichment. <italic>Conclusions</italic>: This preliminary trial suggests that the comprehensive model of enrichment developed for use in a rehabilitation unit was effective in increasing activity in stroke patients and reducing time spent inactive and alone.<list list-type="bullet"><title>Implications for Rehabilitation</title><list-item><p>Stroke patients within a mixed rehabilitation unit who are exposed to an enriched environment (EE) are more likely to be engaged in activity than those not exposed to the enriched environment.</p></list-item><list-item><p>Patients in enriched conditions are less likely to be "inactive and alone" or asleep during waking hours.</p></list-item><list-item><p>These results suggest a comprehensive model of enrichment is effective in increasing activity levels.</p></list-item></list></p> </abstract>