Abstract: | Purpose.?To explore eight individuals’ experiences and responses to taking part in a personalised observation-based intervention for stroke rehabilitation.Methods.?Eight participants who had experienced a cerebrovascular accident were recruited to a 16-week observation-based intervention. Participants were interviewed face-to-face to explore their responses to, and experiences of, taking part in the intervention. A list of topics, derived from the intervention process and earlier studies provided a provisional structure for the interview. All interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed using inductive content analysis to explore the impact of the observational intervention for these participants.Results.?Three main themes emerged: physical function, behaviour change and DVD content. Lower order themes were also identified. These included: interaction with the physiotherapist; ability to complete tasks; and increased motivation to (re)engage in activities of everyday living.Conclusion.?The findings suggest that a programme of action observation, linked to individualised and meaningful motor behaviours can provide a valid intervention for individuals affected by stroke by serving as a motivating agent to (re)engage in activities which they had believed they could not perform following their stroke. There was also evidence for positive affect on psychological wellbeing and motor function. |