How Adults with Stroke Conceptualize Physical Activity: An Exploratory Qualitative Study

Abstract

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To explore how adults with stroke conceptualize physical activity as a means of promoting physical activity following stroke. <h3>Design</h3> Qualitative, phenomenological study. Participants completed one 90-minute semi-structured interview. <h3>Setting</h3> Interviews were conducted in participant's homes or in a university conference room. <h3>Participants</h3> Participants were a convenience sample of 15 community dwelling stroke survivor, median age was 64 years, median time post-stroke was 4.2 years, 9 males and 6 females, mostly White (n=10), and were able to ambulate independently with or without an assistive device. <h3>Interventions</h3> Not Applicable. Semi-structured interview prompts included "What comes to mind when you hear the term ‘physical activity'?" and "Not including exercise, what comes to mind when you hear the term ‘physical activity'?" <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Inductive content analysis was used to identify key themes. <h3>Results</h3> Three key themes emerged. First, exercise-related activities (gym, walking, sports) were identified my most participants (n=13). Second, physical activity necessary for performing basic and instrumental activities of daily living was also identified by most participants (n=12) as an alternative to exercise-related physical activity. Third, being physically active to avoid being sedentary was also identified by 9 participants as being important. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Participants broadly categorized physical activity. For stroke survivors whose stroke-related impairment prevents the ability to exercise, performing daily activities may be a feasible and appropriate alternative. This is important because decreasing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity of any intensity can improve cardiometabolic health. Health professionals can work with stroke survivors to identify meaningful activities that require physically active to promote post-stroke physical activity, though future research is necessary to identify active ingredients and intervention efficacy. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> The authors report no conflicts of interest.