The feasibility of an exercise program 12 months post-stroke in a small urban community

There are few community-based exercise programs catering to individuals post-stroke, despite an increasing need. The primary objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of running a community-based exercise program for individuals post-stroke, and to provide a framework for local communities to run similar programs.

Individuals who had a stroke within 12 months of the start of the program were eligible to participate in a 9-week community-based exercise program. Sit to stand, grip strength, arm curl, timed up-and-go, 6-minute walk, Berg Balance Scale, Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire, and Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale were assessed pre- and post-program to determine the effectiveness of the program. Caregivers of participants were invited to participate in a focus group after the program (N.=5) to better understand program feasibility and areas for improvement.

Individuals (9 males, 1 female) with stroke were recruited from a local rehabilitation program within 1 week (aged 72.7±9.3 years). The ratio of volunteers to participants was 1:2. All participants completed the exercise program and pre-post-testing. Significant improvements were observed for sit to stand (7.6±3.4 to 9.8±4.3 repetitions, P<0.01), grip strength of the non-affected side (29.7±8.9 to 32.6±8.3 lbs, P=0.04), arm curl (15.2±6.1 to 19.9±4.7 repetitions, P=0.04), and Exercise Self-Efficacy score (Z=2.50, P=0.01, r=0.79) from pre to post-program. Caregivers suggested increasing the frequency of the program.

An effective community-based exercise program for individuals post-stroke can be run at community centers utilizing qualified volunteers.