The Journey of Post-Stroke Survivors Engaged in Physical Therapy Rehabilitation
University of Bohol, Tagbilaran City, Philippines
How they used Delve
A nine-member research team at the University of Bohol used Delve to run a team thematic analysis of key informant interviews with post-stroke survivors, their families and physical therapy staff at a community rehabilitation centre in Bohol, agreeing a shared segmenting system before building the themes that describe the recovery journey.
“The researchers performed thematic analysis through Delve Qualitative Data Analysis Software. Researchers underwent a data familiarization process by reviewing the transcripts multiple times during stage one. Team members established a system for segmenting important parts of the text, which led to the development of organizational themes.”
- Field
- Physical therapy and stroke rehabilitation; the lived recovery journey of post-stroke survivors at a local-government-funded community rehabilitation centre in Bohol, Philippines
- Data
- Key Informant Interviews with four post-stroke survivors (aged 39-66, in treatment for 2-9 months), physical therapy staff and selected family members at the Pilar Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Center in the 3rd district of Bohol; family members were interviewed separately and in different locations to keep their accounts independent, and interviews were transcribed verbatim and translated into English
- Approach
- Descriptive phenomenological design using Key Informant Interviews, analysed thematically in Delve. The team familiarised themselves by re-reading transcripts, agreed a shared system for segmenting meaningful passages, developed organisational themes from those segments, then systematically reviewed and adjusted the themes against the study's aims. The interview instrument was adapted from Chau et al. (2022) and pilot tested.
- Data types
- Interviews
Abstract
The most prevalent leading cause of disability is stroke, exerting significant effects on individuals, disrupting familial structures, and impacting societal systems. Recovery can be challenging, especially for people who are still adjusting to post-stroke life. Physical therapy is essential in stroke recovery because it focuses on restoring movement, strengthening weakening muscles, and alleviating discomfort through therapeutic exercises and specific treatments. This phenomenological study investigates the challenges and successes of stroke survivors at the Pilar Physical Therapy Center, involving patients, family members, and rehabilitation staff. Research results indicate that physical limitations restrict survivors’ capacity to resume activities of daily living, frustrating previously active individuals. Financial constraints, difficulties with transportation, and a lack of family support all contributed to poor therapy attendance. Family members and therapists provide vital support, motivation, and emotional resilience despite these difficulties, encouraging a strong sense of independence in survivors, with recovery objectives as the primary source of inspiration. Also, findings revealed that post-stroke survivors in Pilar need easy accessibility and supported rehabilitation programs to promote sustained recovery and improve quality of life. The patients’ evolving views, motivations, and personal importance influence the recovery journey after a stroke. It includes psychological and emotional well-being impacted by treatment progress, support networks, a positive outlook, social dynamics based on good interpersonal relationships, and physical recovery indicated by increased mobility and function. A holistic rehabilitation framework is crucial so that it integrates physical therapy with psychosocial support and active family participation to enhance the quality of life and long-term recovery outcomes for post-stroke survivors.
Citation
M.M.V. Adiong, M.S.Q. Bag-ao, M.X.Q. Bag-ao, M.D.F. Galua, M.G.J. Olaer, D.F.M. Oro, S.A.B. Socias, B.K.V. Fernandez, Marilou V. Fudalan (2025). The Journey of Post-Stroke Survivors Engaged in Physical Therapy Rehabilitation. Current Science Research Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.55677/csrb/05-v02i05y2025