Promoting physical activity after stroke via self-management: a feasibility study. Issue 5 (4th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Preston, Elisabeth; Dean, Catherine M.; Ada, Louise; Stanton, Rosalyn; Brauer, Sandy; Kuys, Suzanne; Waddington, Gordon
• Is Part Of: Topics in stroke rehabilitation. Volume 24:Issue 5(2017)
• Page Start: 353
• Page End: 360
• Publication Date: 2017-07-04
• Subjects: Stroke -- physical activity -- exercise -- self-management (MESH Headings); Cerebrovascular disease -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Cerebrovascular disease -- Periodicals; 616.810305
• DOI: 10.1080/10749357.2017.1304876
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1074-9357

Abstract

Abstract: Background : Many people with mild disability after stroke are physically inactive despite the risk of recurrent stroke. A self-management program may be one strategy to increase physical activity in stroke survivors. Objectives : To investigate the feasibility of a self-management program, and determine whether self-management can increase daily physical activity levels and self-efficacy for exercise, decrease cardiovascular risk, and improve walking ability, participation, and quality of life in people with mild disability after stroke. Method : A Phase I, single-group, pre-post intervention study was carried out with twenty stroke survivors who had mild disability and were discharged directly home from acute stroke units. A self-management program was delivered via five home-based sessions over 3 months, incorporating: education, goal setting, barrier identification, self-monitoring, and feedback. Feasibility of the intervention was determined by examining adherence, duration, usefulness, and safety. Clinical outcomes were amount of physical activity (duration of moderate physical activity in min/day and counts of physical activity in steps/day), self-efficacy, cardiovascular risk, walking ability, participation, and quality of life. Results : The intervention was feasible with 96% of sessions being delivered, each taking less than an hour (41 min, SD 12). Participants perceived the self-management program to be useful and there were few adverse events. At 3 months, participants completed 27 min/day (95% CI 4–49) more moderate physical activity than at baseline and 16 min/day (95% CI −10 to 42) at 6 months. Conclusion : Self-management appears to be feasible and has the potential to increase physical activity in people with mild disability after stroke. A Phase II randomized trial is warranted.