Combining two motor training modalities, circuit class training and a home exercise programme, for people after stroke (the MATCH trial): intervention description and adherence strategies

Describe an intervention combining a home exercise programme (HEP) and circuit class training (CCT) to increase motor practice dosage, with strategies to improve adherence. This development study presents the intervention using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) framework. It details the rationale, application and adherence strategies for the HEP and CCT, emphasising task-oriented training (TOT). Individuals in the subacute phase after a stroke. A complex intervention called motor training and application of Adherences trategies in Two modalities, CCT and HEP (MATCH) was developed, comprising two manuals (HEP and CCT) that can be used separately or combined. The HEP features customised booklets with four tasks, aiming for at least 100 repetitions per task daily to support independent practice. The CCT involves 12 sessions, each lasting 60 min. Key components focus on adherence strategies, including providing information, tailoring tasks to individual preferences, promoting self-monitoring, and addressing barriers to practice. The MATCH manuals offer therapists and researchers a structured approach to designing interventions that increase motor practice dosage and adherence. The MATCH aims to improve motor and functional recovery, participant motivation, and self-management for HEP, particularly for post-stroke individuals. Future studies should evaluate adoption, fidelity, penetration and cost-effectiveness in implementation trials, including those planned within Public Health Centres.