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Enhancing stroke inpatient rehabilitation through enriched environments: A randomized controlled trial integrating leisure activities and music therapy
Topic
Session
ePoster Viewing
Presenter
Jennifer Grau-Sánchez

Enhancing stroke inpatient rehabilitation through enriched environments: A randomized controlled trial integrating leisure activities and music therapy

Jennifer Grau-Sánchez1,2, Bernat Pons Batet3, Irene Vargas Arjona3, Sara Vallès Valverde3, Cindry Ramírez4, Cristina de Diego Alonso5, Misericòrdia Carles Lavila6, Núria Codern Bové1,2, Preeti Raghavan7, Esther Duarte4

1 Escola Universitària d’Infermeria i Teràpia Ocupacional de Terrassa (EUIT), Spain

2 Research Group on Complex Health Diagnoses and Interventions from Occupation and Care (OCCARE), Escola Universitària d’Infermeria i Teràpia Ocupacional de Terrassa (EUIT), Universitat … [f8e7f7e9], Spain

3 Research Group on Complex Health Diagnoses and Interventions from Occupation and Care (OCCARE), University School of Nursing and Occupational Therapy of Terrassa, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain

4 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Esperança Center, Parc de Salut Mar, Spain

5 Physiotherapy Department, San Jorge University, Spain

6 Department of Economy, Rovira i Virgili University, Spain

7 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States

Introduction:

Stroke is a leading cause of disability, with the subacute period offering a critical window for recovery due to heightened neuroplasticity. However, hospital rehabilitation environments are often understimulating, with limited opportunities for engagement in meaningful activities and potentially hindering outcomes. Integrating leisure and music activities in the hospital environment may enhance recovery by promoting active participation.

Objectives:

To evaluate the effectiveness of an enriched intervention incorporating group-based leisure activities and music therapy on functional recovery, neuroplasticity biomarkers, and its feasibility for clinical implementation.

Methods:

A randomized controlled trial is being conducted involving 90 subacute stroke individuals hospitalized in a neurological rehabilitation unit. Participants are randomly assigned to (1) standard rehabilitation, (2) standard rehabilitation plus individual music therapy, or (3) standard rehabilitation plus an enriched intervention combining group leisure activities with music therapy. Functional, cognitive, emotional, and quality-of-life outcomes are assessed before and after the intervention, and at one-month follow-up. Neuroimaging is used to evaluate brain plasticity biomarkers for recovery. Additionally, clients’ experiences are explored through qualitative interviews and a cost-effectiveness analysis is being conducted.

Results:

It is expected that the enriched intervention will significantly enhance clients’ recovery compared to standard rehabilitation. Individual differences in the recovery response will provide insights for personalized interventions, supporting occupational therapy’s role in fostering engaging, patient-centered rehabilitation.

Conclusion / Contribution to the occupational therapy profession:

This study highlights the value of integrating cultural and occupational aspects to humanize and enrich rehabilitation environments, promoting patient-centered, cost-effective strategies that enhance recovery post-stroke.