Development of a schedule of current physiotherapy treatment used to improve movement control and functional use of the lower limb after stroke: a precursor to a clinical trial

Objective. To develop a treatment schedule of physical therapy techniques used to improve movement control and functional use of the paretic lower limb after stroke in U.K. clinical centers to be involved in a subsequent clinical trial of experimental interventions given in addition to routine clinical practice. Methods. Ten physiotherapists experienced in stroke rehabilitation who worked in or near the clinical centers to be involved in a subsequent clinical trial completed an individual semi-structured interview. The verbatim transcripts were condensed independently by 2 researchers into a draft list of interventions. The researchers then resolved disagreement through discussion and produced a preliminary list of interventions. At a focus group meeting, the participating physiotherapists discussed the preliminary list, refined it to produce a final list, and then transformed it into a draft treatment schedule. The draft treatment schedule was piloted in clinical practice. Refinements were made, and the final treatment schedule was produced. Results. The treatment schedule consists of an A4 recording form with instructions and glossary of terms printed on the back. Each treatment record provides information including duration of treatment, treatment aims, and the 45 specific physical therapy interventions provided in the 11 sections (e.g., “splinting techniques” and “function - in sitting towards standing”). Conclusion. A treatment schedule was produced, which can now be used in a subsequent phase II evaluative trial.