A Behaviour Change Intervention Delivered Using Telehealth with a Physical Activity Monitor to Increase Physical Activity Post-Stroke: A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial

Why clinicians should know about it

• Picked for Rehabilitation (paper of the day, 12 October 2026): Telehealth + activity monitor improves post‑stroke physical activity

Abstract

Objective(1) To assess the feasibility of implementing a theoretically informed behaviour change intervention delivered via telehealth, with the additional use of a physical activity monitor, compared with the behaviour change intervention alone, to increase physical activity post-stroke; (2) To explore changes in physical activity levels in both study arms, focusing on effect sizes to inform a fully powered randomised controlled trial (RCT).DesignPhase 1 feasibility RCT, with concealed allocation and blinded assessments.SettingUniversity.ParticipantsAbout 24 individuals post-stroke (12 per group).InterventionBoth groups received the behaviour change intervention via telehealth. The experimental group used a physical activity monitor (Smartwatch Mi Band 7®).Main measuresFeasibility indicators (e.g., recruitment, retention and cost) and clinical variables (e.g., physical activity level measured using the Adjusted Activity Score of the Human Activity Profile).ResultsTrial feasibility was supported regarding recruitment, intervention delivery and measurement. Challenges included participant attrition. Main costs were related to transportation for in-person assessments. Physical activity levels increased in both groups (experimental group: 12.08 ± 12.01; control group: 11.83 ± 15.51), with changes exceeding the minimal detectable change (6.8). A large within-group effect was observed in the experimental group (Cohen's d = 1.01), compared with a medium effect in the control group (Cohen's d = 0.76).ConclusionsBoth interventions were feasible and led to changes exceeding the minimal detectable change in physical activity levels post-stroke, with greater effects in the experimental group. These findings should inform a future, larger RCT addressing retention, follow-up and the added potential of the physical activity monitor.

Abstract as published, via PubMed.