Abstract
Prior qualitative research conducted among stroke survivors to explore the potential benefits and challenges of participating in tai chi exercise during stroke recovery is limited to those without depression. A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Social Cognitive Theory and Complex Systems Biology provided the theoretical framework, with focus group interview data collected from stroke survivors after participation in a tai chi intervention. Due to COVID-19, the focus group interview was conducted via online video conferencing. Content analysis of the de-identified transcript was conducted with a-priori codes based on the theoretical framework and inductive codes that were added during the analysis process. Lincoln and Guba’s criteria were followed to ensure trustworthiness of the data. Community-dwelling stroke survivors (n = 7) participating in the focus group interviews were on average 68 years old, mainly retired (71%, n = 5), married women (57%, n = 4) with >13 years education (86%, n = 6). The three major themes were: personal efficacy beliefs, tai chi intervention active ingredients, and outcome expectations. Social Cognitive Theory underscored stroke survivors’ personal efficacy beliefs, behavior, and outcome expectations, while Complex Systems Biology highlighted the active ingredients of the tai chi intervention they experienced. Participation in the 8-week tai chi intervention led to perceived physical, mental, and social benefits post stroke.
Highlights
Strokes are estimated to affect roughly 102 million people
This study is reported in accordance with the Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative research (COREQ) [26] and conforms with the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki
Who participated in the focus group interviews after participating in an eight-week tai chi intervention study were on average 68 years old, mainly retired (71%, n = 5), married women (57%, n = 4) with >13 years education (86%, n = 6)
Summary
There are an estimated 7.6 million stroke survivors (>20 years old) living in the United States (U.S.), with stroke prevalence increasing among both men and women with advancing age [1]. Between 2015 and 2035, total direct medical stroke-related expenses are projected to increase significantly, from $36.7 billion to $94.3 billion, with the majority of these costs coming from those 80 years of age and older. Strokes are a leading cause of serious long-term disability in the U.S, which is often compounded by post-stroke depression experienced by an estimated 2.5 to 5 million stroke survivors [1,2]. Despite the availability of pharmacotherapies and/or psychotherapies, post-stroke depression persists even
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