Exercise perceptions among people with stroke: barriers and facilitators to participation

Background/aims: People with stroke continue to lead sedentary lives despite the multiple benefits of exercise. Knowledge regarding stroke survivors' conception of exercise, which is essential for a thorough understanding of the barriers and facilitators to exercise, is lacking. This study aims to explore the perceptions of exercise among stroke survivors, including their concepts and definitions of exercise, as well as their perceptions of barriers and facilitators to exercise. Methods: This study used a qualitative exploratory design. Focus groups were conducted with 11 community dwelling participants with stroke (mean 8 +/- 3 years post stroke). Data were analyzed using content analysis methods. Findings: Six themes that provided information regarding participants' perceptions of exercise were identified: mobility, balance, self-efficacy, outcomes, support, and exercise as part of an active or healthy lifestyle. Although participants internalized specific benefits of exercise, they did not demonstrate an internalized link between exercise and stroke risk. Low self-efficacy was identified as a barrier to participating in exercise, whereas, support to exercise (e.g. external encouragement, qualified personnel) was identified as a facilitator. Conclusion: These findings may provide insight when developing exercise interventions which optimize adherence for people with stroke.