Co-design of a physical activity maintenance intervention for adults with stroke

To co-design a physical activity (PA) maintenance programme for stroke survivors who have completed a community-based rehabilitation programme.

A mixed methods approach, following the DECIPHer framework, incorporated stakeholder consultation (five focus groups) and intervention co-production (three workshops) involving stroke survivors, carers, physiotherapists, and exercise professionals. The final phase, intervention prototyping, remains ongoing and will be reported separately.

Thirty-eight participants participated in the stakeholder consultation, with 11 participants participating in the co-production workshops. Focus groups results through inductive thematic analysis identified two themes: shifting realities of PA post stroke and motivation through community. Subthemes included barriers to PA, building confidence through PA, peer support and structuring a supportive post stroke PA pathway. Co-production workshops focused on identifying key characteristics of the intervention resulting in the development of a group-based exercise programme in a gym setting, led by exercise professionals and supported by a physiotherapist.

Co-design with key stakeholders informed the development of a prototype PA maintenance programme that reflects the priorities of those who will use and deliver it. Social connection and appropriate stroke-specific training for providers may improve long-term engagement in PA and inform future implementation and evaluation.