A Novel Rehabilitation Approach: Dyadic Strategy Training for Stroke Survivors and Their Caregivers

The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of a newly developed dyad-focused strategy training intervention on enhancing participation of stroke survivors and their caregivers. To address this purpose, a single-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial will be implemented to assess the efficacy of the dyad-focused strategy training intervention in comparison to the control group. An expected sample of 138 stroke survivor-caregiver dyads will be recruited from our collaborative hospitals in Northern Taiwan. Data will be analyzed using multiple linear regression models and mixed-effects regression models. Qualitative in-depth interviews with participants, caregivers, and therapists will be conducted following the intervention. Findings of this study will provide important evidence on whether this newly-developed program has immediate and long-term effect on improving and maintaining participation for both stroke survivors and their caregivers. These findings will together support the application of the dyad-focused strategy training intervention in rehabilitation practice and inform future study development.