What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to assess a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program based on the IMB model and its effects on various recovery outcomes for stroke patients.

March 13, 2026Open Access

Application of the information–motivation–behavioral skills model in rehabilitation training for stroke patients

Key Points

The aim is to assess a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program based on the IMB model and its effects on various recovery outcomes for stroke patients.
Conducted a quasi-experimental, non-randomized controlled trial on 112 stroke patients.
Divided participants into an IMB group and a usual-care group for comparison.
The IMB group underwent a 3-month intervention focusing on information, motivation, and behavioral skills.
The IMB group showed a significant improvement in self-efficacy (+82.5%) compared to usual care.
Motor function increased by 79.4% in the IMB group.
Quality of life scores rose by 71% in the IMB group, with lower anxiety and depression scores.
Caregiver burden decreased by 31% in the IMB group.

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to evaluate a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program based on the information–motivation–behavioral skills (IMB) model principles and its association with self-efficacy, functional recovery, quality of life, and caregiver burden among stroke survivors. Methods A quasi-experimental, non-randomized controlled trial was conducted on 112 stroke patients. The IMB group received a 3-month IMB-based program integrating neurologists, rehabilitation therapists, psychologists, and caregivers, and focusing on information delivery, motivational interviewing, and personalized behavioral training. The usual-care group received standard care. The outcomes included self-efficacy (SSEQ), motor function (Fugl–Meyer Assessment, FMA), daily living ability (Barthel Index, BI), quality of life (SS-QOL), psychological status (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, HAMD; Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, HAMA), and caregiver burden (ZBI), assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Results The IMB group achieved higher scores than the usual-care group in the following areas: self-efficacy (+82.5% from baseline; SSEQ: 82.5 ± 7.3 vs. 57.8 ± 8.1; p 0.001), motor function (+79.4%; FMA: 68.9 ± 10.2 vs. 50.3 ± 9.5; p 0.001), and quality of life (+71%; SS-QOL: 89.4 ± 11.6 vs. 65.2 ± 10.9; p 0.001). Anxiety (HAMA: 7.5 ± 2.8 vs. 13.6 ± 3.5) and depression (HAMD: 9.2 ± 3.1 vs. 14.8 ± 4.2) scores were lower in the IMB group and fell within the subclinical range ( p 0.001), and caregiver burden was also lower in the IMB group (−31%; ZBI: 28.4 ± 6.3 vs. 41.2 ± 7.1; p 0.001). Conclusion The IMB-based multidisciplinary intervention was associated with improved stroke recovery outcomes and reduced caregiver stress. This model suggests a potentially scalable approach that warrants further investigation. Its integration of behavioral strategies with neurorehabilitation principles bridges a critical gap in holistic stroke care, emphasizing the importance of self-efficacy and multidisciplinary collaboration.

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Cite This Study

Peng et al. (Tue,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69b3ab2902a1e69014ccbc1d https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2026.1709375

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