A community-based exercise and education scheme for stroke survivors: a randomized controlled trial and economic evaluation:

Objective: The evaluation of a community-based exercise and education scheme for stroke survivors.Design: A single blind parallel group randomized controlled trial.Setting: Leisure and community centres in the south-west of England.Subjects: Stroke survivors (median (IQR) time post stroke 10.3 (5.4—17.1) months). 243 participants were randomized to standard care (124) or the intervention (119).Intervention: Exercise and education schemes held twice weekly for eight weeks, facilitated by volunteers and qualified exercise instructors (supported by a physiotherapist), each with nine participants plus carers or family members.Method: Participants were assessed by a blinded independent assessor at two weeks before the start of the scheme, nine weeks and six months. One-year follow-up was by postal assessment.Main measures: Primary outcomes: Subjective Index of Physical and Social Outcome (SIPSO); Frenchay Activities Index; Rivermead Mobility Index. NHS, social care and personal costs. Secondary outcomes includ...