Chinese stroke survivors' perceptions of participation in exercise or sitting Tai Chi

Aims Exercise promotes functional recovery among stroke survivors and is recommended to be commenced as soon as is feasible. However, little is known about stroke survivors' perception of participation in exercise or sitting Tai Chi, a more culturally appropriate and popular movement in China. To explore Chinese stroke survivors' perceptions of participation in exercise or sitting Tai Chi. Methods and results Face-to-face semi-structured interviews and content analysis of transcripts were conducted with a purposive sample of 30 stroke survivors. The qualitative study explored perceptions of post-stroke participation in exercise or sitting Tai Chi. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist was used to report findings. Perceived facilitators of exercise participation were healthcare professionals' encouragement and recommendations, family and peer support and survivors' motivation, intention, and self-perceived benefits. Perceived barriers were fear of falling, physical discomfort, and challenges in standing. Despite some reservations, most participants were willing to try sitting Tai Chi. Conclusions Encouragement and support, motivation, and perceived benefits were important for exercise participation after stroke. With the premise that all medical and nursing students in China are trained in Tai Chi, for stroke survivors with no access to formal exercise programmes, sitting Tai Chi may offer an appropriate alternative.

Automated summary

This study explored the perceptions of Chinese stroke survivors on participation in exercise or sitting Tai Chi. The findings indicated that encouragement and support from healthcare professionals, family and peers, as well as motivation and perceived benefits were important facilitators for exercise participation. However, stroke survivors also faced barriers such as fear of falling, physical discomfort, and challenges in standing. Despite these challenges, most participants were willing to try sitting Tai Chi, which could be an appropriate alternative for stroke survivors without access to formal exercise programs.