| Methods |
Parallel group RCT with randomisation at individual level
Randomisation used random number tables and four length random permuted blocks
Allocation concealment: opaque sealed envelopes
Blinding: blinded outcome assessor |
| Participants |
UK (Bradford)
170 participants (85 intervention and 85 control)
Mean age 71.5 years, 58% male
Barthel score at baseline: intervention group mean 18 (IQR 16 to 19); control group mean 18 (IQR 16 to 19)
Clinical definition of stroke
Participants recruited from hospital and community stroke register
Inclusion criteria: older than 50 years, had a stroke a year or more and had associated mobility problems. Mobility problem was defined as: use of a mobility aid, fall in the previous three months, unable to manage stairs/slopes/uneven surfaces independently and slow gait speed |
| Interventions |
Community physiotherapy intervention versus no treatment at participant's home or outpatient rehabilitation centres
Assessments at 3, 6 and 9 months at participants' homes
Intervention based on problem‐solving approach. Intervention done by established community physiotherapy service (13 staff) as part of usual work
Standard maximum contact of 13 weeks with a minimum of 3 contacts per participant |
| Outcomes |
Outcome at 9 months
Primary outcome: Barthel ADL, Rivermead Mobility Index
Secondary outcome: death, Frenchay Activities Index, Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale
Carer: General Health Questionnaire ‐ 28 |
| Notes |
|
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment? |
Low risk |
A ‐ Adequate |
