What does real-world walking mean to people with stroke? An interpretive descriptive study

Purpose:Understanding personal experiences of real-world walking for stroke survivors could assist clinicians to tailor interventions to their clients' specific needs. We explored the research questions: What does real-world walking mean to people after stroke and how do they think it can be better? Method:Using an Interpretive Descriptive methodology, we purposively sampled eight stroke survivors who reported difficulty walking in the real-world. We sought diversity on key participant characteristics. Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured guide. Data were analysed with thematic analysis. Results:Many found real-world walking, particularly in the outdoors, created opportunities for freedom from dependence and a visible step by step progress, which generated hope for future recovery. Conversely, when participants did not experience sufficient progress, they expressed negative emotions. Participants strove to overcome challenges to their walking goals using everyday routines, planning skills, and confidence building experiences to motivate themselves. They also drew on, and extended, social resources highlighting the relational aspects of real-world walking. Conclusions:Walking in their real-world provided a meaningful, desirable, but challenging goal for participants that required significant emotional effort. Successful progress in real-world walking builds confidence and hope and can contribute to psychological wellbeing by providing opportunities for successful mastery and social connectedness.

Automated summary

Understanding the personal experiences of stroke survivors in real-world walking is crucial for tailoring interventions to meet their specific needs. This study found that real-world walking provided opportunities for freedom, progress, and hope for recovery, but also presented challenges and negative emotions. Stroke survivors used everyday routines, planning skills, and confidence-building experiences to overcome obstacles and achieve their walking goals. They also relied on social resources and connections. Successful progress in real-world walking enhanced confidence, hope, and psychological well-being.