The STROKE-POC project holds its first focus group with patients at the IIS Aragón.

The session, promoted by the iHealthy group at the Lozano Blesa University Clinical Hospital, reinforces the patient-centered approach in the study of post-stroke spasticity

The European project STROKE-POC has celebrated in the Lozano Blesa University Clinical Hospital Their first focus group session, an action aimed at deepening the approach to post-stroke spasticity of the lower limbs by incorporating the patient's perspective.

The activity was moderated by the researcher Sandra Calvo and included the participation of other members of the research team, as well as patients included in the study belonging to the groups of dry puncture and botulinum toxin type ADuring the session, participants shared their experiences regarding the treatments they received and provided their perspective on the impact of spasticity on their daily lives.

Throughout the meeting, aspects related to the experience of spasticity after stroke were addressed, including the perception of treatments and their impact on functionality, quality of life, and the emotional state of patients. Impressions were also gathered regarding clinical evolution, the safety of interventions, and expectations regarding treatments.

This type of activity allows the patient's perspective to be directly integrated into the development of the project, facilitating a better understanding of their needs and contributing to the design of more personalized therapeutic strategies oriented towards clinical practice.

The project STROKE-POC It is being developed within the framework of the European ERA-NET NEURON call and is funded by the Carlos III Health Institute (ISC III), with reference AC22/00016, charged to the funds NextGenerationEU deThe Recovery, Transformation and Resilience PlanIts main objective is to compare the mechanisms of action and effectiveness of dry needling versus botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of post-stroke spasticity of the lower limbs, also incorporating a patient-centered approach.

Currently, the project is still in the recruitment phase and continues to generate scientific evidence not only on the efficacy of the treatments, but also on their impact on quality of life and clinical decision-making within the field of neurological rehabilitation. Those interested in participating or receiving more information can contact the research team via email at pherrero@unizar.es