Effects of transfer training on musculoskeletal pain in the caregiver of a stroke patient: a case report

The purpose of this case report was to evaluate the effectiveness of training of transfer techniques to a caregiver of a person with stroke in decreasing musculoskeletal pain, depression and anxiety. This study adopted a single subject research design to evaluate the effectiveness of transfer-techniques training on musculoskeletal pain, depression, and anxiety in a 25-year-old female caregiver of a person with stroke. The study was completed in four phases including baseline evaluation (1st and 3rd week), training (3rd, 5th and 7th week), post-training (9th week), and follow-up evaluation (11th week). During the 1st week, demographic and descriptive information (such as age, time since diagnosis, cognition and independence of daily living) were collected from the stroke patient. Also pain severity,anxiety and depression levels of the caregiver were evaluated. In weeks 3, 5 and 7, transfer training was undertaken. The patient was involved in the training with the caregiver under the supervision of an occupational therapist in their own home. Effectiveness of training regarding musculoskeletal pain and depression and anxiety levels of the caregiver was evaluated in 5th,9th and 11th weeks and in 9th and 11th weeks. The data were analyzed using a visual analysis of trends and levels. The results showed a decrease in pain severity, anxiety and depression during training and post-training. The changes continued during the follow-up stage. This study suggests promising results for effectiveness of the transfer-techniques training and justify further clinical trials. A larger trial is required to confirm the effectiveness of transfer training in improving pain in caregivers of stroke survivors.