SUPERVISED EXERCISE AFTER MINOR STROKE: AN EVALUATION FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PATIENTS AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2025 · DOI: 10.2340/jrm.v57.42881 · Published: March 24, 2025

Neurorehabilitation Rehabilitation Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

Patients with minor stroke often do not receive standardized physical exercise programs after hospital discharge. This study evaluated “The Stroke School,” a supervised exercise program, exploring the experiences of patients and healthcare professionals. The study found that the exercise program ensured patient safety through frequent sessions and follow-ups. Patients were motivated to exercise soon after their diagnosis. Municipal physiotherapists noted effective communication but found it challenging to empower patients to exercise independently after the 12-week program ended.

Study Duration

12 weeks intervention, follow-up between 3 and 6 months after stroke onset

Participants

8 patients with minor stroke or TIA, 5 municipal physiotherapists

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Patients felt a sense of safety throughout the study due to close monitoring and follow-up sessions, which reassured them about being physically active.
2
Repeated counselling sessions with health professionals motivated patients for lifestyle changes as they regained mental energy.
3
Patients benefited socially from exercising with peers, sharing experiences and feeling obligated to attend sessions.

Research Summary

This qualitative study found that both patients and municipal physiotherapists valued participating in The Stroke School. Patients reported high motivation for exercise immediately after their stroke diagnosis, seeking quick action on stroke prevention. Patients felt safe during the study due to regular follow-ups and counselling sessions. Exercising with peers was socially beneficial, although this was more challenging in the municipality. Physiotherapists communicated effectively but found it difficult to empower patients to exercise independently after the study. The findings will inform amendments to study procedures for a subsequent randomized controlled trial.

Practical Implications

Early-Initiated Exercise

Early exercise initiation is crucial for patients with minor strokes and TIA, leveraging their heightened motivation post-diagnosis to prevent recurrence.

Cross-Sectoral Collaboration

Effective communication and collaboration between hospital and municipal healthcare providers are essential for seamless transitions and comprehensive patient care.

Long-Term Exercise Maintenance

Further research is needed to identify effective strategies and nudging techniques to facilitate life-long exercise behaviour changes in stroke patients.

Study Limitations

1
The sample included only patients who had completed the supervised Stroke School intervention and were willing to participate in the interviews.
2
Pre-established relationships between the patients and the researchers and the physiotherapists and researchers may have affected the answers due to a possible desire to please and reflect positively on The Stroke School design.
3
The results of a qualitative study cannot be statistically generalized, but they may be transferable to a similar population, in a cultural, organizational, and economic context.

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