Oral Presentation Smart Strokes Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Community-based environmental enrichment programs for adults with stroke and other non-progressive brain injury: A scoping review (106880)

Jaclyn Birnie 1 , Marie-Louise Bird 2 , Kirsti Haracz 3 , Liam Johnson 4 , Heidi Janssen 5
  1. Armidale Hospital, HUNTER NEW ENGLAND LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT, ARMIDALE, NSW, Australia
  2. University of Tasmania, HOBART, TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA
  3. University of Newcastle, NEWCASTLE, NSW, AUSTRALIA
  4. Australian Catholic University, FITZROY, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
  5. Hunter Stroke Service, HUNTER NEW ENGLAND LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT, NEWCASTLE, NSW, Australia

Introduction: Recovering in an enriched environment, a setting that supports engagement in a combination of physical, cognitive and social activities, is associated with increased neuroplasticity and subsequent function after a brain injury. This scoping review sought to summarise evidence related to the application of the principles of environmental enrichment (EE) in the community for people living with stroke and other non-progressive brain injuries.

 

Methods: Six online databases, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO, Embase and PubMED were searched with predefined search terms from inception to January 2024. Studies were included if: ≥ 50% of included participants were adults who had experienced a stroke or non-progressive brain injury, the intervention comprised physical (e.g., exercise, yoga), cognitive (e.g., art, dance, music) and social (e.g., group-format, dedicated time for socialisation) activities, and was conducted in a community setting.

 

Results: Of the 2,436 studies screened, 53 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were conducted in Canada (28%), included participants 1-year post-stroke or brain injury (71%), were living with stroke (85%), and reported on programs conducted 1-2 times per week, for 6-10 weeks for 100 minutes (average) per session. Most programs included aerobic exercise (physical) and education with behaviour change (cognitive), in a small group format (social). Less than 20% of programs included dedicated time for social activities, e.g., peer interactions during morning tea. Preliminary analysis suggests participation in EE programs improves quality of life.

 

Conclusion: Participation in community-based programs that incorporate physical, cognitive and social activities including in the chronic phase of stroke or brain injury may support better quality of life.

 

Relevance to clinical practice or patient experience: Providing access to, and opportunities to participate in, community-based activities that align with the principles of EE may support people living with stroke and other non-progressive brain injuries to experience improved quality of life.