Article

Physical activity (PA) improves fitness, functioning, health and
wellbeing after stroke. However, many survivors are inactive.
This study explored
survivors', carers' and physiotherapists' beliefs about PA to identify how these
support or hinder PA participation. METHODS: Semi-structured in-depth interviews
with community dwelling stroke survivors (n = 38); two focus groups involving six
carers each; two focus groups, respectively, involving seven and eight stroke
rehabilitation physiotherapists from clinical and community settings. Data were
audio-recorded and transcribed. Analysis was structured using the Framework
Approach to identify themes and a dynamic, conceptual model. FINDINGS: Desired
outcomes and control over outcome achievement were key concepts. For survivors
and carers, PA supported participation in valued activities, providing continuity
with pre-stroke sense of self. Carers adopted motivating strategies for PA to
support recovery and participation in shared activities. In contrast,
physiotherapists prioritised physical and functional outcomes and viewed
survivors' control of outcomes as limited which was reflected by the support they
provided. CONCLUSIONS: Individualised interventions that account for social and
environmental influences on behaviour appear vital to enabling survivors to
participate in meaningful physical activities. Such interventions should
facilitate development of shared perspectives among physiotherapists, carers and
survivors of PA and related outcomes and provide tailored strategies to
facilitate PA participation. Implications for Rehabilitation Physical activity
after stroke rehabilitation is important for fitness, health, functioning and
well-being. Reasons for survivors participating or not in physical activity after
stroke are complex and varied. Physiotherapists and carers influence survivors'
participation in physical activity but their views about how to do this do not
always match, or do they always complement the views of survivors. Integrated
approaches to supporting physical activity that account for survivors'
preferences and recognise the carers' role should be developed and applied by
physiotherapists and other health professionals.

Langue : ANGLAIS