Published January 8, 2024 | Version v1

More than effort, it's dedicating time and perseverance." experiences of physical activity and physical exercise in stroke survivor with high functional capacity: a qualitative study

Description

Abstract

Background

Stroke survivors exhibit sedentary behavior, and many do not engage in physical activity and exercise for a number of reasons. Secondary prevention through physical activity is a priority to avoid a new stroke or disease.

Objective

To describe the experience of stroke survivors with maintained walking ability living in Spain regarding physical activity and exercise.

Methods

A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted. Purposive sampling was carried out to include 35 stroke survivors who had stroke more than 6 months ago from 14 neurorehabilitation centers in 24 cities in Spain. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and researchers’ field notes. The Giorgi approach was used for the qualitative analysis of the data collected.

Results

Three themes emerged: a) Changes in the experience of physical activity and exercise adaptation; b) Reasons for and against the practice of physical activity and exercise; c) Experiencing tiredness and fatigue.

Conclusions

Our results show the individual post-stroke perception of each person, the reasons for and against the practice of physical activity and exercise, as well as the impact this has on their daily life and activity. These results will help health professionals to understand the needs of stroke survivors when prescribing physical activity and exercise included in intervention programs.

Files

2024_de-Diego-Alonso C. Cuali PA Stroke_ DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION.pdf

Additional details

Related works

Is continued by
Journal article: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065628 (DOI)

Funding

Gobierno del Principado de Asturias
This study was supported to translation by a research award grant from the Colegio Profesional de Terapeutas Ocupacionales del Principado de Asturias (COPTOPA)
Gobierno de Aragón
Cristina de Diego-Alonso, Patricia Roldán-Pérez, Almudena Buesa-Estéllez and Pablo Bellosta-López are members of the research group MOTUS supported by “Gobierno de Aragón” (n. B60_23D) B60_23D