Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Task-Specific Self-Rehabilitation Training (TASSRET) for Improving Functional Mobility in Community-Dwelling Stroke Survivors in Low-Resource Settings

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of a Task-specific Self-rehabilitation Training (TASSRET) program in improving functional ability and quality of life among Hausa-native adult stroke survivors living in rural communities of Kano State, Nigeria. This pilot randomized controlled trial compares two formats of TASSRET—video-based and manual-based—to determine their immediate and lasting effects on upper and lower extremity motor skills, balance, gait, and health-related quality of life. The study addresses the lack of accessible rehabilitation in low-resource settings and aims to find feasible, culturally adapted self-administered rehabilitation methods for stroke survivors. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the TASSRET-video group, who will receive training via video clips on their Android phones, or the TASSRET-manual group, who will receive a printed manual with similar task demonstrations and instructions in Hausa. Both groups will perform task-specific exercises involving upper extremity, lower extremity, balance, and trunk strength training. Exercises start with at least 10 repetitions per task and increase weekly by 50% up to 300 repetitions, done twice daily, three times per week, for six weeks. Family caregivers are encouraged to assist participants. Participants will be assessed at baseline, six weeks after intervention, and at three months follow-up. Assessments include various functional tests such as the Action Research Arm Test, Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement, Box and Block Test, 10-Meter Walk Test, Mini-Balance Evaluation System Test, and Stroke Impact Scale. Additional measures include spasticity and muscle strength scales. Trained research assistants will conduct evaluations and monitor adverse events. Data will be securely collected and analyzed to compare the effectiveness and durability of each training format over time.

Task-Specific Self-Rehabilitation Training (TASSRET) Trial