The role of family in mobilization exercises for post-stroke patients in Southeast Asia: a scoping review

Despite facing barriers such as a lack of information, healthcare support, and physical and emotional burdens, families have an important role in supporting stroke patients’ mobilization through assistance in physical exercise, changes in body position, and activities of daily living. Mobilization exercises in stroke patients have been reviewed, but the role of the family in the exercise process has not been evaluated. Families are the primary caregivers supporting post-stroke patients over time. We aimed to identify literature related to mobilization exercises for post-stroke patients, including types, family roles, and barriers faced by families. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Review framework to search PubMed, ScienceDirect, Clinical Key, Global Index Medicus, EBSCO, Scopus, ProQuest, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Garuda from inception to May 1, 2023. Fourteen relevant primary studies were evaluated using inductive thematic analysis. The findings indicate that mobilization exercises include range of motion, ambulation, and daily activities. Families play a crucial role through active participation, motivation, and support. The main barriers are a limited understanding and a lack of information. These findings highlight the crucial role of families in post-stroke mobilization despite challenges. Enhancing family education and support may improve patient outcomes. However, further review is required to assess the effectiveness of family intervention to improve mobilization exercises. Therefore, a systematic review on this topic is recommended.