Integrating community-based rehabilitation (cbr) with modern physiotherapy for stroke survivors in ghana: A holistic approach

12^th International Conference and Expo on Novel Physiotherapies and Physical Rehabilitation

June 23-24, 2025 Webinar

Kwame Boadu

University of Ghana,Ghana

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Sports Med Dop Stud

Abstract :

Statement: Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability in Ghana, with many survivors lacking access to sustained rehabilitative care. This study presents a hybrid rehabilitation model integrating Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) with modern physiotherapeutic techniques to improve functional outcomes and quality of life in stroke patients in rural and peri-urban Ghana. Methodology: A longitudinal intervention was conducted over 9 months in three regional health centres in the Ashanti and Volta regions. Sixty post-stroke patients were randomly assigned to two groups: one receiving only clinic-based physiotherapy and the other enrolled in a hybrid model combining standard physiotherapy sessions with community-based rehabilitation facilitated by trained caregivers and local health workers. Outcome measures included the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Barthel Index (BI), and WHOQOL-BREF, assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 9 months. Conclusion: Patients in the hybrid CBR group demonstrated significantly improved functional independence and community reintegration compared to the control group. The involvement of family and community members enhanced continuity of care and reduced dropout rates. This study highlights the potential of combining indigenous community care frameworks with evidence-based physiotherapy to bridge the rehabilitation gap in low-resource settings. The model offers a scalable, culturally appropriate strategy for stroke recovery across sub- Saharan Africa.