TY - JOUR

T1 - Motivators for physical activity in patients with minor stroke

T2 - a qualitative study

AU - Krawcyk, Rikke Steen

AU - Christoffersen, Laura Cathrine

AU - Danielsen, Anne Kjærgaard

AU - Kruuse, Christina

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

PY - 2022

Y1 - 2022

N2 - Purpose: Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for stroke. However, to encourage physical activity after stroke, it is important to know what motivates the patients. We aimed to explore possible motivators and barriers for physical activity in patients discharged after minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Methods: A qualitative study including 35 patients (21 men) with minor stroke or TIA (median age; 69 years, range 47–90) in semi-structured focus group interviews. Audio recordings were transcribed to text verbatim and analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Results: Six interviews of 60 min. revealed five categories; the patients had a positive attitude towards physical activity, and they preferred to exercise locally under supervision of health professionals. Physical activity with others was motivating and obligating, and if possible as a weekly habit. Some experienced physical- and mental sequelae, which kept them from exercising. Conclusion: This study provides valuable knowledge of what motivates and prevents patients with minor stroke or TIA to be physically active after hospital discharge, and what to consider when designing future exercise studies. Consequently, it is recommended that patients with minor stroke or TIA are offered supervised physical activity to prevent worsening of cardiovascular disease and recurrent cardiovascular event.Implications for rehabilitation Participants were positive towards physical activity after minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Physical activity with others was perceived as both motivating and obligating. Post-stroke fatigue, lack of energy, and overview should be considered when designing secondary prevention programs. Participants call for exercise opportunities arranged locally and as group exercise supervised by health professionals with knowledge of stroke.

AB - Purpose: Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for stroke. However, to encourage physical activity after stroke, it is important to know what motivates the patients. We aimed to explore possible motivators and barriers for physical activity in patients discharged after minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Methods: A qualitative study including 35 patients (21 men) with minor stroke or TIA (median age; 69 years, range 47–90) in semi-structured focus group interviews. Audio recordings were transcribed to text verbatim and analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Results: Six interviews of 60 min. revealed five categories; the patients had a positive attitude towards physical activity, and they preferred to exercise locally under supervision of health professionals. Physical activity with others was motivating and obligating, and if possible as a weekly habit. Some experienced physical- and mental sequelae, which kept them from exercising. Conclusion: This study provides valuable knowledge of what motivates and prevents patients with minor stroke or TIA to be physically active after hospital discharge, and what to consider when designing future exercise studies. Consequently, it is recommended that patients with minor stroke or TIA are offered supervised physical activity to prevent worsening of cardiovascular disease and recurrent cardiovascular event.Implications for rehabilitation Participants were positive towards physical activity after minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Physical activity with others was perceived as both motivating and obligating. Post-stroke fatigue, lack of energy, and overview should be considered when designing secondary prevention programs. Participants call for exercise opportunities arranged locally and as group exercise supervised by health professionals with knowledge of stroke.

KW - Barriers

KW - motivators

KW - physical activity

KW - qualitative research

KW - stroke prevention

KW - transient ischemic attack

U2 - 10.1080/09638288.2022.2032409

DO - 10.1080/09638288.2022.2032409

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 35119324

AN - SCOPUS:85128204353

VL - 45

SP - 277

EP - 285

JO - Disability and Rehabilitation

JF - Disability and Rehabilitation

SN - 0963-8288

IS - 2

ER -