Exercising, Socialising, and Thinking: an Environmental Enrichment Model (ESTEEM) after stroke—a mixed methods pilot study of the ESTEEM program

DB Simpson; K Haracz; K Southgate; J Newberry Dupe; MG Hasnain; N de Carteret; J Preece; D Colvin; ML Bird; L Johnson; A Gibberd; C Garcia-Esperon; A Mackenzie; CT Shiner; LJ Christie; H Janssen

Journal article

Exercising, Socialising, and Thinking: an Environmental Enrichment Model (ESTEEM) after stroke—a mixed methods pilot study of the ESTEEM program

DB Simpson, K Haracz, K Southgate, J Newberry Dupe, MG Hasnain, N de Carteret, J Preece, D Colvin, ML Bird, L Johnson, A Gibberd, C Garcia-Esperon, A Mackenzie, CT Shiner, LJ Christie, H Janssen

Disability and Rehabilitation | Published : 2026

DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2025.2612460

Abstract

Purpose: Measure the benefits and experiences of stroke survivors, carers and staff involved in the piloting of the Exercising, Socialising and Thinking: An Environmental Enrichment Model (ESTEEM) Program. Materials and methods: Concurrent triangulation mixed-methods were used; (i) physical (leg strength, endurance, falls efficacy and frailty), psychological (anxiety and depression) and quality of life outcomes were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up, and (ii) inductive analysis of semi-structured interviews with end-users, described the experience of participation in and delivery of the ESTEEM Program. Results: Stroke survivors [n = 25, median age 76 (IQR = 68–7..

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