Support After Stroke with group-based classeS: The SASS study

Abstract

Stroke is the leading cause of disability from physical, social and mental health impacts (e.g. 1 in 3 survivors have depression after stroke) and affects over 420,000 Australians, with 50,000 new events each year. Community-based options for preventing comorbidity and supporting recovery after stroke are limited. We are proposing to test whether a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI), specifically designed for survivors of stroke that uses movement and meditation to focus on body awareness and breathing is acceptable and feasible. Prior studies of MBIs in older adults, cardiac and cancer populations provide evidence of reduced stress, fatigue, mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, lower blood pressure and improved quality of life. Our aim is to perform a feasibility trial among people within 3-12 months of a stroke who are living at home. Participants will either receive the SASS intervention (12 week MBI program includes weekly group class and home practice) or attention control intervention (12 week social group). This research project will provide important pilot data for work that will have the potential to impact on a large number of survivors of stroke living in the community who need support with managing the consequences of their stroke. If successful this pilot data will provide the rationale for future related work which has the potential to save lives and improve the quality of life of thousands of survivors of stroke.