Occupational Performance Coaching for Stroke Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: We examined the feasibility of study procedures and explored the potential efficacy of Occupational Performance Coaching for stroke survivors (OPC-Stroke), an intervention designed to improve participation after stroke.

Method: In this pilot randomized controlled trial, 21 participants were randomized to receive the intervention or usual care. Recruitment, retention, and outcome completion rates were calculated. Direction of change and effect sizes were examined for the outcomes of participation, goal performance and satisfaction, goal self-efficacy, emotional well-being, and cognition.

Results: Rates of recruitment (66%) and retention (81%) were satisfactory. Participation scores improved for both groups with different trajectories. Results showed a moderate effect of OPC-Stroke for goal performance (η²_partial d = .075) and satisfaction (η²_partial d = .078) and a large effect for cognition (η²_partial d = .167). Other outcome measures did not change as expected.

Conclusion: Study procedures were generally feasible. Preliminary findings support testing to examine the efficacy of OPC-Stroke.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01800461.