Transferability of a 10-week remotely delivered Virtual Physical Activity Seated Exercise (V-PASE) program on...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Neurology
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Balance impairments after stroke often necessitate support for home exercise programs.
• The transferability of seated exercises to improved lower extremity function and mobility in stroke survivors remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a 10-week, remotely delivered seated exercise intervention on functional mobility in individuals with chronic stroke and balance impairments.
• To compare the outcomes of the Virtual Physical Activity Seated Exercise (V-PASE) program against a control group.

Main Methods:

• A multi-site, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial involving 100 adults with chronic stroke (≥6 months post-stroke) and mobility impairment.
• Participants were randomized to either the 10-week V-PASE intervention or a control group, with exercises delivered one-on-one via videoconferencing.
• The primary outcome was the 30s Sit-To-Stand score, with secondary outcomes including mobility, balance, quality of life, and other health markers.

Main Results:

• The study aims to determine if the V-PASE intervention leads to significant improvements in the 30s Sit-To-Stand score compared to the control group.
• Secondary analyses will assess the impact on broader measures of mobility, balance, quality of life, cognition, and mental health.

Conclusions:

• Seated exercises hold potential for improving functional mobility in stroke survivors with balance impairments.
• The inherent safety and stability of seated exercises may enhance participation and adherence in home-based rehabilitation settings.