Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Post-Stroke Adjustment Via Telerehabilitation

Many people find life different after a stroke, both physically and emotionally. This study explores if a type of talking therapy, called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), can help people adjust to these changes. ACT has helped people with other long-term health conditions, so researchers want to see if it can do the same for stroke survivors. Participants will join online group sessions and complete questionnaires to track their progress. The aim is to find better ways to support people recovering from a stroke. It's for adults who had a stroke more than three months ago, are no longer in rehabilitation, and have access to the internet.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of East Anglia

Enrolment target

Start

04 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

22 Jun 2026

Stroke Psychological Flexibility Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

What is this study about?

Imagine your life changes significantly after a stroke. You might feel different physically or emotionally, and it can be tough to get used to your new life. Many people in the UK live with the effects of a stroke, and it's really important to find good ways to support them.

This study is looking at a type of talking therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is designed to help people handle difficult thoughts and feelings, and then commit to actions that improve their lives. It's less about trying to change uncomfortable thoughts and more about accepting them and moving forward. Researchers have found ACT helpful for people living with other long-term conditions like chronic pain, so they want to see if it can also help people adjust after a stroke.

The main goal of this study is to understand if ACT, delivered online in group sessions, can help stroke survivors feel better adjusted to their lives. By taking part, you could be helping to find new and effective ways to support others who have had a stroke in the future.

Key takeaways

This study explores an online talking therapy for stroke survivors.
It aims to help people adjust to life after a stroke.
Participation involves online group sessions and questionnaires.
You need internet access and a device with a camera.
You can leave the study at any time.
Your contribution could help others in the future.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who have had a stroke more than three months ago. You should not have any other brain-related illnesses or severe difficulties with thinking, understanding, or speaking. It's also important that you have finished all your previous rehabilitation for the stroke.

To join, you shouldn't have been diagnosed with any major new health conditions in the last year, apart from your stroke. You also need to have access to a device with a camera (like a computer, tablet, or smartphone), a stable internet connection, and a private, quiet space where you can join video calls.

This study might not be right for you if you've only had a mini-stroke (TIA) without a full stroke, or if you're not currently finding it difficult to adjust to life after your stroke. Also, if your feelings of distress are very severe and need individual support, this group setting might not be the best fit for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am 18 years old or older.
I had my stroke more than three months ago.
I have finished all my stroke rehabilitation programmes.
I don't have other serious brain conditions or severe communication/thinking problems.
I have a device with a camera, internet, and a private space for video calls.
I haven't been diagnosed with a major new health condition in the last year (other than my stroke).

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, here’s what you can expect:

You will fill out a short online questionnaire once a week for seven weeks. At the end of week seven, you'll complete a slightly longer questionnaire about your mood and how your stroke has affected you. Then, you'll take part in an 8-week online group therapy programme using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. These sessions will be once a week for 90 minutes, including short breaks.

After the therapy finishes, you'll complete the questionnaires again and give feedback about your experience. You will then be asked to complete the questionnaires two more times: once after three months and again after six months. You'll get reminders for these, and you can take breaks during the questionnaires if you need to. At the very end of the study, there will be a debrief call where researchers will explain more about the study findings. You will receive a £10 Amazon gift card as a thank you for your time.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer several potential benefits. The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy itself might help you learn new ways to cope with the changes in your life after a stroke, which could improve your overall well-being. You'll also be contributing to important research that could help many other stroke survivors in the future. As with any group therapy, there's always a small chance you might feel uncomfortable discussing personal experiences, but the sessions are designed to be supportive. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of East Anglia
Verified postcode
Norwich, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

ACT is a type of talking therapy that helps you accept difficult thoughts and feelings, and then commit to actions that align with what's important to you. It's about living a rich and meaningful life even with challenges.

Do I need to be good with computers for this study?

You'll need access to a device with a camera and a stable internet connection for video calls, and be comfortable filling out online questionnaires. Regular computer skills are helpful but not expert ones.

How much time will this study take up?

You'll have weekly questionnaires for seven weeks, followed by 8 weekly 90-minute online therapy sessions. Then, there are follow-up questionnaires at three and six months. It's spread out over several months.

Will I get paid for taking part?

You will receive a £10 Amazon gift card as a thank you for your time and participation in the study.

What if I feel uncomfortable during the therapy sessions?

The group sessions are designed to be supportive, but if you feel uncomfortable at any point, you can take a break or discuss your concerns with the study team. Remember, you can also leave the study at any time.