Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation最新文献

{"title":"What do employers need when supporting stroke survivors to return to work?: a mixed-methods study.","authors":"Kristelle Craven, Jade Kettlewell, Blanca De Dios Pérez, Katie Powers, Jain Holmes, Kathryn A Radford","doi":"10.1080/10749357.2024.2409005","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10749357.2024.2409005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Employers are key in supporting stroke survivors to return to work (RTW) but do not always have knowledge/skills or guidance to do so.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To explore employers' needs for provision of post-stroke RTW support.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Mixed-methods study. Participants recruited through voluntary response/purposive sampling. Survey of employers investigated stroke knowledge (maximum score: 7), RTW process knowledge (maximum score: 8), and perceived competency for actions supporting RTW (maximum score: 100%). Regression analyses explored relationships between employers' demographic/contextual characteristics and knowledge and perceived competency scores. Interviews with employers explored factors influencing their post-stroke RTW support. Interview data were analyzed using a framework analysis. Survey/interview findings were synthesized with those from a qualitative systematic review.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Across the survey (<i>n</i> = 50), interviews (<i>n</i> = 7), and review (25 studies), employers' support was influenced by stroke survivors' decisions to disclose stroke-related limitations, employers' knowledge regarding roles/responsibilities, employers' communication skills, and information provided by healthcare. Regression analyses: Human resources/occupational health support was positively associated with stroke knowledge (ß = 2.30, 95% CI 0.36-4.41, <i>p</i> = 0.013) and RTW process knowledge (ß = 5.12, 95% CI 1.80-6.87, <i>p</i> = 0.001). Post-stroke RTW experience was positively associated with stroke knowledge (ß = 1.36, 95% CI 0.46-2.26, <i>p</i> = 0.004) and perceived competency (ß = 31.13, 95% CI 18.40-44.76, <i>p</i> = 0.001). Organization size (i.e. working in a larger organization) was positively associated with RTW process knowledge (ß = 2.96, 95% CI 1.52-4.36, <i>p</i> = <.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Employers' RTW support was influenced by personal and environmental factors; they may benefit from education and guidance on stroke and their roles/responsibilities during the RTW process.</p>","PeriodicalId":23164,"journal":{"name":"Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"392-404"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142372849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The minimal clinically important difference of two multifaceted fatigue evaluation questionnaires in chronic stroke.","authors":"Soheila Fallah, Zahra Parnain, Parvaneh Taghavi-Azar-Sharabiani, Moslem Cheraghifard, Behnoosh Vasaghi-Gharamaleki, Mahtab Roohi-Azizi, Mansoureh Hashemi, Mahin Yousefi, Mohammad-Taghi Joghataei, Ghorban Taghizadeh","doi":"10.1080/10749357.2024.2408997","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10749357.2024.2408997","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This research sought to ascertain the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) and Robust Clinically Important Difference (RCID) of the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form (MFSI-SF) and Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire-11 (CFQ-11) as two important concepts for the clinical interpretation of the results in chronic post-stroke population.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 128 subjects with chronic post-stroke completed the MFSI-SF and CFQ-11 before and after six weeks of intervention. The MCIDs were derived using both anchor- and distribution-based methods; however, only anchor-based methods were used to estimate RCIDs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Anchor-based MCIDs for MFSI-SF and CFQ-11 were in the range of -5 to -6.28 and -2 to -4.56, respectively. Distribution-based MCIDs in MFSI-SF and CFQ-11 were calculated in the range of -4.17 to -24.05 and -1.72 to -7.68, respectively. RCID ranges of -10 to -15 were obtained for the MFSI-SF and -6 to -7.33 for the CFQ-11.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings may have implications for clinical experts in the clinical interpretation of fatigue changes observed in MFSI-SF and CFQ-11 in individuals with chronic stroke.</p>","PeriodicalId":23164,"journal":{"name":"Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"405-418"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142366550","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with task-specific training on spatio-temporal gait parameters and functional mobility in individuals with stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Jéssica Miranda de Aquino Miranda, Pedro Henrique Sousa de Andrade, Maria Eduarda Salum Aveiro Henrique, Bruno Henrique de Souza Fonseca, Rodrigo Bazan, Luciane Aparecida Pascucci Sande de Souza, Gustavo José Luvizutto","doi":"10.1080/10749357.2024.2411878","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10749357.2024.2411878","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has a priming effect on post- stroke motor rehabilitation.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>We verified whether tDCS combined with task-specific training was superior to nonintervention, task-specific training, or simulated intervention in improving spatio-temporal gait parameters and functional mobility in stroke patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, and LILACS for articles published until May 2024, using terms related to stroke, tDCS, and task-specific training. The risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro scale. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology was used to classify the certainty of the evidence for each outcome. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 1,685 studies were identified, of which 18 were included in the qualitative analysis. Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis; all outcomes were classified as \"very low quality.\" Improvements in walking speed only were associated with tDCS combined with task-specific training (mean difference [MD], 0.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.04, 0.07; <i>p</i> < 0.001; I  = 0%). There were no differences in other spatio-temporal gait parameters or functional mobility.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This systematic review provides low-quality evidence that tDCS, in combination with task-specific training, increases speed in individuals after stroke. Both interventions, tDCS and task-specific training, are inexpensive and easy to implement; therefore, the mean estimate may be considered clinically worthwhile, although the CIs spans both clinically trivial and worthwhile effects.</p><p><strong>Registration: </strong>International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; number CRD42023396021).</p>","PeriodicalId":23164,"journal":{"name":"Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"438-457"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142547639","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Accuracy of four sarcopenia screening methods in patients with chronic stroke in Thailand: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Kannanat Laosuwan, Ratana Vichiansiri, Charoonsak Somboonporn, Jittima Saengsuwan","doi":"10.1080/10749357.2024.2409000","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10749357.2024.2409000","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims: </strong>The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of screening tools for sarcopenia and to determine whether the same or different cutoff points should be applied in patients with chronic stroke.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Sixty-eight participants with residual hemiparetic deficit for over 6 months were enrolled. We evaluated the accuracy of calf circumference, SARC-F questionnaire, SARC-CalF, and Ishii's score chart using the Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 revised criteria as the gold standard.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sarcopenia was identified in 22 participants (32.4%) based on the AWGS criteria. Overall, SARC-F showed the lowest diagnostic accuracy. The Area Under the receiver operating characteristic Curves (AUC) of calf circumference, SARC-F, SARC-CalF, and Ishii's score chart were 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66-0.88), 0.58 (95% CI, 0.42-0.74), 0.75 (95% CI, 0.62-0.87), and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.65-0.90), respectively. The mean AUC of SARC-F was inferior to SARC-CalF (0.58 vs. 0.75, <i>p</i> = 0.035).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The accuracy and diagnostic properties of calf circumference, SARC-CalF, and Ishii's score chart were comparable (mean AUC of 0.77, 0.75, and 0.78, respectively). SARC-F showed the lowest accuracy (mean AUC = 0.58). The recommended screening tools are calf circumference, SARC-CalF, and Ishii's score chart. It is not recommended to rely solely on SARC-F for screening sarcopenia after stroke. We proposed potential new cutoff points for each screening instrument, including SARC-F, SARC-CalF, calf circumference in women, and Ishii's score chart for both men and women.</p>","PeriodicalId":23164,"journal":{"name":"Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"371-381"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142354436","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correction.","authors":"","doi":"10.1080/10749357.2025.2499316","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10749357.2025.2499316","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23164,"journal":{"name":"Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143983042","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Measurement properties of the 6-min step test for estimating cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with chronic stroke.","authors":"Augusto Boening, Aline A Scianni, Janayna Avance, Maria Tereza M Alvarenga, Lucas R Nascimento","doi":"10.1080/10749357.2025.2494963","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10749357.2025.2494963","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Measurements of cardiorespiratory fitness are mandatory after a stroke. The 6-min step test emerges as an alternative method in absence of maximal tests.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To provide information regarding the measurement properties of the 6-min step test in individuals with chronic stroke.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional, methodological study was conducted. Participants were individuals with stroke, who performed the 6-min step test and the 6-min walk test for calculation of measurement properties and comparison purposes. Outcomes of interest were test-retest and inter-rater reliability, measurement error, minimal detectable change, construct validity, criterion validity by video, intra-rater and inter-rater reliability by video.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifty individuals with chronic stroke were included. The 6-min step test had a very-high test-retest (ICC 0.98; CI 95% 0.97-0.99) and inter-rater reliability (ICC 0.95; CI 95% 0.92-0.97). The test's measurement error was 4(5%) and the minimal detectable change was 11 repetitions. The correlation between the 6-min step test and the 6-min walk test suggested high construct validity (<i>r</i> = 0.79; CI 0.66-0.89). In addition, the 6-min step test by video had comparable results with the in-person administration with very high criterion validity (<i>r</i> = 1.00; CI 95% 1.00-1.00),intra-rater (ICC = 1.00; CI 95% 1.00-1.00) and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 1.00; CI 95% 1.00-1.00).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The 6-min step test has appropriate measurement properties to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with chronic stroke. Moreover, the video administration of the 6-min step test produced comparable results with the in-person administration.</p>","PeriodicalId":23164,"journal":{"name":"Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144055149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Differences in uneven-surface walking characteristics: high-functioning vs low-functioning people with stroke.","authors":"Yasuhiro Inui, Naomichi Mizuta, Shintaro Fujii, Yuta Terasawa, Tomoya Tanaka, Naruhito Hasui, Kazuki Hayashida, Yuki Nishi, Shu Morioka","doi":"10.1080/10749357.2025.2495987","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10749357.2025.2495987","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Differences in gait parameters between even- and uneven-surface walking in people with stroke (PwS) with different functional abilities remain unclear.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>We aimed to assess whether there are differences in the adjustments of gait parameters on uneven surfaces between PwS based on their even-surface gait speed (≥0.8 and < 0.8 m/s).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We calculated the root mean square (RMS) of trunk acceleration and maximum joint angles and co-contraction indexes of the lower limbs during even- and uneven-surface walking between the high-functioning group (HG) (<i>n</i> = 38; ≥0.8 m/s) and low-functioning group (LG) (<i>n</i> = 24; <0.8 m/s).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared to the HG, the LG showed a greater reduction in gait speed (<i>p</i> = .015). Meanwhile, the RMS of trunk acceleration increased in the HG but remained unchanged in the LG on uneven surfaces. The increase in knee flexion angle during the swing phase was smaller in the LG than in the HG on uneven surfaces (<i>p</i> < .001). A reduction in the thigh co-contraction index during the stance phase was observed only in the HG on uneven surfaces (<i>p</i> = .005).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The LG responded with a conservative strategy, reducing gait speed more than the HG to maintain stability, whereas the HG exhibited decreased stability but a more flexible adaptation. The smaller increase in knee flexion during the swing phase in the LG suggests impaired motor control, while the reduction in thigh co-contraction during stance observed only in the HG indicates an adaptive response. These findings highlight that adaptation to uneven surfaces differs depending on gait ability on even surface.</p>","PeriodicalId":23164,"journal":{"name":"Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144038994","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Telerehabilitation in post-stroke care: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.","authors":"Aakanksha Pitliya, Anas Bin Siddiq, Deva Oli, Jeremiah Hilkiah Wijaya, Vanshika Batra, Srivatsa Surya Vasudevan, Jinal Choudhari, Ramit Singla, Anmol Pitliya","doi":"10.1080/10749357.2024.2392439","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10749357.2024.2392439","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This meta-analysis introduces tele-medicine in time-sensitive conditions like stroke and the challenges hindering at-home rehabilitation. It aims to consolidate evidence supporting telerehabilitation effectiveness in post-stroke patients, with a focus on ADL, balance, mobility, and motor control.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a meta-analysis using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane central databases was conducted. Inclusion criteria involved studies that employed randomized controlled trial (RCT) designs, specifically evaluating various telerehabilitation models in patients diagnosed with a stroke, excluding those with mixed etiology and non-randomized or single-arm designs. Two independent reviewers assessed study quality and bias using Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 before inclusion.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We included 10 studies (<i>n</i> = 417) with a predominantly male sample (<i>n</i> = 196). The mean age of the pooled sample of 8 studies was 64.87 (13.01) years. Our meta-analysis showed that telerehabilitation may have modest effects on Berg Balance Scale (SMD 0.08 [-0.23; 0.40]; <i>p</i> = 0.54), and trunk impairment scale (SMD 0.26 [-1.00; 1.52]; <i>p</i> = 0.05), slightly inferior effects on Barthel index (SMD -0.34 [-1.00; 0.32]; <i>p</i> = 0.31), but demonstrated a favorable impact on trunk impairment (SMD -0.21 [-1.18; 0.76]; <i>p</i> = 0.02).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>We found that telerehabilitation may have modest effects on balance and mobility, and slightly inferior results in Activities of daily living but may have a positive effect on trunk impairment. However, more studies with larger cohorts are needed to confirm our results.</p>","PeriodicalId":23164,"journal":{"name":"Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"323-335"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142018737","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Post-stroke lateropulsion in Australia and New Zealand: a survey investigating current knowledge, priorities and practice.","authors":"Jessica Nolan, Angela Jacques, Barbara Singer","doi":"10.1080/10749357.2024.2392449","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10749357.2024.2392449","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Post-stroke lateropulsion is prevalent and associated with poor rehabilitation outcomes, but evidence to guide rehabilitation of affected stroke survivors is limited. Current post-stroke lateropulsion rehabilitation practice across Australia and New Zealand has not been previously described.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to describe lateropulsion rehabilitation practice in Australia and New Zealand, determine clinicians,' educators' and researchers' opinions about the need for educational resources to guide best-practice, and to identify current barriers to, and enablers of, optimal rehabilitation delivery.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional survey was distributed to stroke rehabilitation clinicians, educators and researchers across Australia and New Zealand using Qualtrics. Data were described using frequency distributions and Chi-squared tests. Responses to open-ended questions were summarized for reporting.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The final analyses included 127 surveys. Most participants (93%) were physiotherapists. The importance of identifying and assessing post-stroke lateropulsion was noted by 97.6% of participants; however routine lateropulsion assessment was reported by only 60.6% of respondents. About 93.6% of participants indicated that lateropulsion should be targeted as a rehabilitation priority. Limitations in knowledge and skill among clinicians and insufficient evidence to guide rehabilitation were noted as barriers to best-practice rehabilitation delivery. Most respondents (95.2%) indicated that lateropulsion management should be included in stroke rehabilitation guidelines.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A sample of clinicians, educators, and researchers involved in stroke rehabilitation across Australia and New Zealand have indicated that lateropulsion should be targeted as a rehabilitation priority. Knowledge and skill were identified as barriers to best-practice rehabilitation implementation, which could be improved by addressing lateropulsion in clinical practice guidelines.</p>","PeriodicalId":23164,"journal":{"name":"Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"270-279"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142120688","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physiotherapists' attitudes, practice and barriers to sexual issues among stroke survivors in South-East Nigeria.","authors":"Uzoamaka Nwakaego Akobundu, Oluchukwu Onwudinjo, Sochima Johnmark Obiekwe, Christopher Olusanjo Akosile, Maduabuchukwu Joseph Nwankwo, Jovita Ada Daniel","doi":"10.1080/10749357.2024.2392438","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10749357.2024.2392438","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sexual issues post-stroke are common and can include difficulties related to arousal, orgasm, and decreased sexual desire, and satisfaction.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To determine the attitudes, practices, and barriers experienced by physiotherapists in addressing sexual issues among stroke survivors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional survey involved 72 practicing physiotherapists purposively recruited from selected tertiary hospitals in southeast Nigeria. Modified Physiotherapists' Attitudes on sexual issues, Physiotherapists' Performance Questionnaire in dealing with sexual issues, and Barriers to Discussing Sexual Issues Questionnaires were used to collect data that were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed a significant association (<i>p</i> < 0.05) between the attitude and practice of physiotherapists in dealing with sexual issues of stroke survivors. Although most of the physiotherapists expressed confidence in their understanding of the need to address sexual issues of stroke survivors, only a quarter of them often or always assessed the patients' sexual function as well as included therapy for erectile dysfunction in their plan of care for stroke survivors. Patients' discomfort (88.9%) and insufficient knowledge and training (70.8%) were the most reported barriers. The majority (95.8%) indicated the need for a training program on the sexual issues, despite their area of specialization.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although the studied physiotherapists understand the need to address these issues, the practical application remains limited due to varying barriers. There is a need for structured training programs focused on sexual health to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, thereby enhancing the overall care and quality of life for stroke survivors.</p>","PeriodicalId":23164,"journal":{"name":"Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"248-259"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142155000","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}