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Table 1 Description of the ARC gait and balance training programme using TIDieR framework

From: Acceptability and deliverability of an auditory rhythmical cueing (ARC) training programme for use at home and outdoors to improve gait and physical activity post-stroke

TIDieR component

Description

Why (rationale)

In auditory rhythmical cueing gait training, a metronome beat provides auditory feedback during exercise to train stepping. ARC training has been found to improve gait velocity, cadence and stride length in laboratory settings

What (materials):

Metronome: Musedo Metro Tuner MT-100 or Metronome app: ‘ZyMi’ for android or ‘Pro Metronome’ for iOS. Participant exercise manual. Access to exercise videos online: https://youtu.be/INlddw1TugA.

What (procedures)

A total of 10 different home and outdoor gait and balance exercises undertaken with auditory rhythmical cueing.

Who provided

A research physiotherapist with specialist stroke skills and over 20 years clinical experience (**), and a stroke researcher with a background in psychology (**).

How (delivery)

Three exercise sessions per week for 6 weeks. Six sessions were supervised by the providers described above (once per week) and 12 were self-managed sessions (two per week). All outdoor walking sessions were supervised. Telephone support was available if required.

Where

Participants’ homes and outdoors.

When and how much

Eighteen × 30 min sessions (three per week for 6 weeks).

Tailoring

Exercises were gradually progressed according to patient ability by increasing the speed/intensity, duration or amount. Outdoor walking was introduced at week 4.

How well (planned)

Providers were trained and delivery of the entire programme to one participant was reviewed, by the programme lead (** highly specialised stroke physiotherapist and clinical academic). Providers buddied up for the first four participants to observe each other and provide feedback. Providers made written notes about supervised session content. Providers also asked participants to describe and demonstrate exercises undertaken in self management sessions to allow for review and advice as required. Participants were asked to record completion of all sessions in a diary.