The Carers' Count study ; an evaluation of the implementation of an exercise group for inpatient stroke survivors and their carers

Stroke survivors and their carers participated in an exercise program, Carers' Count, whilst on the inpatient stroke ward. The group was conducted 3 times per week from 4-5pm and up to 6 stroke survivors attended at one time. The group involved music therapy and exercises, conducted as a group and facilitated by a physiotherapist. Additionally participants would play games and practice functional activities such as sit to stand practice , with their carer facilitating. There was an emphasis on discussing neuroplasticity and how the recovery can be optimised through practice outside of therapy times. In one session each week the music therapist attended and played the guitar and sang songs. On the other sessions the attendees could choose favourite songs from a playlist. The participants performed some basic exercises as a group such as squats, seating arm and leg exercises with theraband and weights and sit to stand practice. Each participant also had an individual exercise program which was written by their treating therapist - at time during the group the carers facilitated these individual exercise programs. The patient was able to participate in the group until discharged form hospital.