Open AccessFeasibility of integrating survivors of stroke into cardiac rehabilitation: A mixed methods pilot study
Author(s) -
Elizabeth Regan,
Reed Handlery,
Jill Campbell Stewart,
Joseph L. Pearson,
Sara Wilcox,
Stacy L. Fritz
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0247178
Subject(s) - rehabilitation , medicine , stroke (engine) , physical therapy , feeling , cardiovascular fitness , qualitative research , session (web analytics) , physical fitness , psychology , mechanical engineering , social psychology , social science , sociology , world wide web , computer science , engineering
Background Survivors of stroke are often deconditioned and have limited opportunities for exercise post-rehabilitation. Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR), a structured exercise program offered post-cardiac event in the United States (U.S.), may provide an opportunity for continued exercise. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of integrating survivors of stroke into an existing, hospital-based CR program through an assessment of (1) recruitment, uptake and retention, (2) adherence and fidelity, (3) acceptability and (4) safety. Methods A mixed methods design combined a single group, pre-post design, pilot feasibility study with an imbedded qualitative inquiry. Survivors of stroke were recruited into a standard 12-week, 36 visit CR program. Results Fifty-three survivors were referred, 29 started and 24 completed the program. Program uptake rate was 55% and completion rate was 83%. Eleven completers and one non-completer participated in the qualitative interviews. Program completers attended an average of 25.25 (SD 5.82) sessions with an average of 38.93 (SD 5.64) exercise minutes per session while reaching targeted rate of perceived exertion levels. Qualitative themes included perceived benefits of an individualized program in a group setting, positive interactions with qualified staff, opportunities for socialization, and regular monitoring and staff attentiveness promoting feelings of safety. Conclusions Survivors of stroke were able to meet Medicare standard dosage (frequency and session duration) and rate of perceived intensity goals, and perceived the program as needed regardless of their mobility limitations or previous exercise experience. Primary challenges included managing referrals and uptake. Results support feasibility and benefit for survivors to integrate into U.S. CR programs.