Occupational therapists’ perspectives on pressure garment intervention in post-stroke upper limb rehabilitation: A qualitative study
Zhenkun Xu, Nan Wang, Jun Song, Yan Peng, Shin Ying Chu, Siaw Chui Chai, Kuicheng LiBackground:
The use of pressure garments in post-stroke upper limb rehabilitation is controversial, with quantitative studies often conflicting with clinical observations and patient experiences. Occupational therapists, as key implementers, provide essential insights into their real-world effects.
Objective:
To explore occupational therapists’ perspectives, experiences, and decision-making when using three pressure garment designs (dorsal-double-layered and single-layered, both with 10% circumferential reduction, and placebo) in stroke rehabilitation.
Methods:
A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with six occupational therapists from an 8-week randomised controlled trial. Data were analysed thematically.
Results:
Four main themes and 13 subthemes were identified: (1) Therapeutic effects of the pressure garment, reflected in oedema control, influence on muscle tone, enhancement of sensory input, and improvement of motor function; (2) Real-world challenges in clinical practice, where patient adherence was the central issue, addressed through therapists’ guidance and feedback strategies; (3) Assessing patient suitability, involving a comprehensive framework of clinical presentation, personal goals, rehabilitation timing, and willingness to cooperate; (4) Evaluation and recommendations for the pressure garment, where therapists critically reviewed existing designs and proposed future intelligent, user-friendly improvements.
Conclusion:
Therapists’ reasoning links technology to patient outcomes, offering practice-based evidence to resolve research inconsistencies and guide clinical practice, research, and product development.