BACKGROUND: This study was set up to explore unexpected findings emergent from a randomized controlled trial of exercise versus relaxation post-stroke. PURPOSE: Stroke survivors' experiences of taking part in exercise and relaxation classes were explored. METHODS: In-depth, semi-structured interviews carried out with 14 community-dwelling stroke survivors in Edinburgh. The informants previously participated in a randomized exploratory trial of exercise versus relaxation. FINDINGS: The classes motivated participants to take part in other purposeful activities, to continue to practice what they had learned, and/or to attend another class in the community. Class participation also led to an improvement of self-perceived quality of life, specifically, improved confidence, physical ability, psychosocial functioning, and a sense of empowerment. IMPLICATIONS: Taking part in either exercise or relaxation classes after stroke can contribute to improved self-perceived quality of life, improved psychosocial functioning, and improved motivation to take an active role in the recovery process.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: This study was set up to explore unexpected findings emergent from a randomized controlled trial of exercise versus relaxation post-stroke. PURPOSE:Stroke survivors' experiences of taking part in exercise and relaxation classes were explored. METHODS: In-depth, semi-structured interviews carried out with 14 community-dwelling stroke survivors in Edinburgh. The informants previously participated in a randomized exploratory trial of exercise versus relaxation. FINDINGS: The classes motivated participants to take part in other purposeful activities, to continue to practice what they had learned, and/or to attend another class in the community. Class participation also led to an improvement of self-perceived quality of life, specifically, improved confidence, physical ability, psychosocial functioning, and a sense of empowerment. IMPLICATIONS: Taking part in either exercise or relaxation classes after stroke can contribute to improved self-perceived quality of life, improved psychosocial functioning, and improved motivation to take an active role in the recovery process.
Authors: David H Saunders; Mark Sanderson; Sara Hayes; Maeve Kilrane; Carolyn A Greig; Miriam Brazzelli; Gillian E Mead Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2016-03-24
Authors: Leon Poltawski; Jacqueline Briggs; Anne Forster; Victoria A Goodwin; Martin James; Rod S Taylor; Sarah Dean Journal: BMC Res Notes Date: 2013-08-13