Abstract
Background
Physical activity after stroke is low, even though there are multiple health benefits. We explored stroke survivors’ perceived barriers, motivators, self-efficacy and the intention to physical activity.
Methods
Fifty independently mobile stroke survivors were recruited prior to hospital discharge. Participants rated nine possible motivators and four possible barriers based on The Mutrie Scale, as having “no influence”, “some influence” or “a major influence” on physical activity. Participants also rated their self-efficacy and intention to increasing walking.
Results
The most common motivator was ‘physical activity is good for health’ [34(68%)]. The most common barrier was ‘feeling too tired’ [24(48%)]. Intention and self-efficacy were high. Self-efficacy was graded as either 4 or 5 (highly confident) on a five-point scale by [34 (68%)] participants, whilst 42 (84%) participants “strongly agreed” or “agreed” that they intended to increase their walking.
Conclusion
Participants felt capable of increasing physical activity but fatigue was often perceived as a barrier to physical activity. This needs to be considered when encouraging stroke survivors to be more active.
Physical activity after stroke is low, even though there are multiple health benefits. We explored stroke survivors’ perceived barriers, motivators, self-efficacy and the intention to physical activity.
Methods
Fifty independently mobile stroke survivors were recruited prior to hospital discharge. Participants rated nine possible motivators and four possible barriers based on The Mutrie Scale, as having “no influence”, “some influence” or “a major influence” on physical activity. Participants also rated their self-efficacy and intention to increasing walking.
Results
The most common motivator was ‘physical activity is good for health’ [34(68%)]. The most common barrier was ‘feeling too tired’ [24(48%)]. Intention and self-efficacy were high. Self-efficacy was graded as either 4 or 5 (highly confident) on a five-point scale by [34 (68%)] participants, whilst 42 (84%) participants “strongly agreed” or “agreed” that they intended to increase their walking.
Conclusion
Participants felt capable of increasing physical activity but fatigue was often perceived as a barrier to physical activity. This needs to be considered when encouraging stroke survivors to be more active.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 231-236 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh |
| Volume | 47 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 2017 |
Keywords
- stroke
- barrier
- motivator
- self-efficacy
- physical activity