Paving the Path to Wellness for Stroke Survivors: A Lifestyle Medicine Group Intervention

Abstract

Background: Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the second-most leading cause of mortality. Stroke has both physical and psychological impact on the lives of stroke survivors. Lifestyle modifications have a pivotal role in post-stroke management care. The Paving the Path to Wellness Program (PPWP) is a 12-week program offered to stroke survivors at Spaulding Rehabilitation Center following discharge. The program encompasses the following domains: physical activity, nutrition, stress management, time-outs, energy, sleep, purpose, and social connections. Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the PPWP on the recovery of stroke survivors. Methods: Three stroke survivors who participated in the program were interviewed following completion of the program. Results: The results showed the PPWP had a positive impact on physical health (e.g., increased physical activity, weight loss, nutrition awareness, and better stress management); helped to create a new purpose (e.g., happiness, satisfaction, and well-being); and improved the social life of the participants (better awareness and importance of friends and family). Conclusions: Next steps are to study this program in a larger stroke population and examine long-term effects.