Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effects of Res-ET in Young Stroke Survivors: A Pilot Study

Research Objectives: To investigate feasibility and acceptability piloting Resilience Exercise Training (Res-ET) a remote group delivered inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) intervention for young stroke survivors. IMST training to enhance resilience on young stroke survivors has not been examined in rehabilitation literature.

Design: A mixed-methods single-arm trial of 15-minute IMST training session 4 times a week for 6 weeks. Pre-post data was collected in-person and via remote surveys.

Setting: Res-ET was delivered by a clinical exercise physiologist in a virtual group setting with young stroke survivors performing IMST training at home.

Participants: 19 community dwelling young stroke survivors 18-55 years old (Mean (SD)=38.4, (10.1), 58% female) participated in Res-ET.

Interventions: Each 15-minute session consisted of 3 bouts of 5 sets of 6 inspiratory maneuvers with 1 min recovery. Intensity of IMST was determined as a percentage of measured maximum inspiratory pressure set to 40% on week 1, 50% on week 2, and 60% weeks 3-6.

Main Outcome Measures: Recruitment, retention, and adherence were calculated; acceptability was assessed using post-intervention feedback questionnaires and qualitative semi-structured interviews. Measures of resilience (UWRS ) and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) were assessed pre-post Res-ET intervention.

Results: Res-ET was feasible and highly acceptable, 100% of participants completed the 6-week pilot with 98% participation in 4 sessions a week for 6-weeks. Participants reported Res-ET was at least 'quite enjoyable' and 'highly beneficial'. Preliminary efficacy analyses showed significant increases in resilience sum scores (16.0+.7 vs. 17.1+.5, p=0.02) and MIP pressure (81.3+5.2 vs. 105.1+6.2 cmH20, p< 0.001) pre/post Res-ET intervention.

Conclusions: Res-ET pilot appears to be a feasible and acceptable intervention for young stroke survivors. Preliminary data suggests Res-ET increases resilience and MIP outcomes. These results provide support to test Res-ET in a larger, fully powered trial to establish efficacy. This pilot study provides novel approach to address gaps in post-stroke care meant to increase physical and psychosocial wellbeing for young stroke survivors.

Author(s) Disclosures: The authors declare no commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.