Personalized Post-Stroke Rehabilitation in a Rural Community: A Pilot Quasi-Experimental Study on Activities of Daily Living and Disability Outcomes Using Participatory Action Research

<b>Background</b>: Early rehabilitation is crucial for predicting post-stroke outcomes. In rural Thailand, previous works identified limited access to prompt rehabilitation services, discontinuity of home visits, and a lack of interdisciplinary management, hindering comprehensive resolution. <b>Objective</b>: This participatory action research-based pilot quasi-experimental study investigated the effects of personalized intermediate care (IMC) programs led by physical therapists on clinical outcomes in post-ischemic stroke older adults living in rural areas. <b>Methods</b>: Participatory stakeholders (two physical therapists, a physician, a nurse, and a nutritionist) convened to coordinate with relevant stakeholders (community leaders, village health volunteers (VHVs), and family caregivers (CGs)). Thirty-four acute post-stroke patients were included in the study. The interventions consisted of three action research cycles (planning, action, observation, and reflection) of home-based neurorehabilitation and comprehensive treatments by a healthcare professional network for six months and another six-month follow-up. The primary outcome was the Barthel index for activities of daily living (BI-ADL). The modified Rankin scale (mRS) was a secondary outcome for assessing disability levels. <b>Results</b>: Results showed that the BI-ADL gradually and significantly increased from a baseline median (IQR) of 55 (15) to 100 (20) after 6 months (<i>p</i> < 0.05). This improvement of the BI-ADL was maintained after 12 months (100 (15)). Furthermore, the mRS at 6 months post-discharge reduced considerably from the first month of rehabilitation (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <b>Conclusions</b>: In conclusion, the early and continuous personalized IMC rehabilitation program effectively enhanced ADL and reduced disability levels and should be disseminated to the community.