People Living with Stroke (PLwS) are at increased risk of falls. The updated Clinical Guidelines for Stroke (2023) recommended increased dosage of rehabilitation at an intensity of three hours per day including targeted balance therapy.
Previous evaluation of the Smart Balance Active (SBA) by PLwS has indicated that it is safe, acceptable and associated with self-reported improvements in mobility. The aim of the study is to co-design and evaluate an SBA intervention for PLwS.
User engagement methods will develop and refine the SBA technology to optimise its accessibility and acceptability for PLwS. Stroke related impairments including visual field impairment, motor impairment and disruption of information processing will be considered in the co-design of the SBA technology. The co-designed SBA technology will be evaluated in venue-based and community/home settings by PLwS.
Outcome measurement will include participant engagement, acceptability, safety and impact of the SBA programme on balance and mobility. Qualitative data collection will explore the experience of using the SBA in different settings. The outcomes will inform further technological development of the SBA with a focus on scaled evaluation and implementation within the stroke rehabilitation pathway
