Perspectives, satisfaction, self-efficacy, and barriers to aerobic exercise reported by individuals with chronic stroke in a developing country

Abstract

Purpose To describe the perspectives, satisfaction, and self-efficacy towards aerobic exercise and to investigate the barriers to aerobic exercise identified by individuals with stroke in a developing country. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was performed with 15 individuals (55 ± 12 years, 69 ± 77 months post-stroke), who received a 12-week vigorous intensity aerobic treadmill training (three 30-min sessions/week). To assess participants’ perspectives, satisfaction, self-efficacy, and barriers to aerobic exercise, a standardized interview and the Short Self-Efficacy for Exercise scale were employed. Results Participants considered aerobic exercise important (100% (IQR 20%), out of 100), recognized that it improves recovery (93%) and heart health (100%) and were satisfied with the training (80%). Self-efficacy was high (4 (IQR 1), out of 5). The main barriers were lack of information (86.7%), fear of falling (80%), lack of equipment (73.3%) or support (66.7%-73.3%), cognitive (66.7%) and physical impairments (60%) and severe weather conditions (60%). Most of them preferred to exercise in groups (93%). Conclusions Individuals with stroke in a developing country considered aerobic exercise important. However, they perceived barriers related to safety, individual ability, social support, and aerobic exercise. It is necessary to improve education of these individuals, family members, and health care professionals regarding aerobic exercises. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Individuals after stroke in developing countries consider aerobic exercise important and recognized that it improves stroke recovery and health, although they perceived barriers related to safety, individual ability, social support, and aerobic exercise itself. It is important to improve education to stroke survivors, family members and healthcare professionals in developing countries about the possibilities, risks, and benefits of aerobic exercises. Rehabilitation professionals should provide aerobic exercise for individuals after stroke in groups. Rehabilitation professionals might use cycle ergometers or partial body weight support to overcome fear of falling and facilitate implementation of aerobic exercise after stroke.