Physiotherapists' perspectives on aerobic exercise early after stroke: A preliminary study.

Physiotherapists' perspectives on aerobic exercise early after stroke: A preliminary study. Physiother Theory Pract. 2016 Jul 26;:1-9 Authors: Prout EC, Mansfield A, McIlroy WE, Brooks D Abstract Aerobic exercise is recognized as part of comprehensive stroke rehabilitation in best-practice and clinical guidelines, yet many individuals remain physically inactive during their hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to identify the perspectives of physiotherapists on aerobic exercise prescription and implementation at in-patient stroke rehabilitation centers with and without a structured aerobic exercise program. A survey was conducted at three Canadian rehabilitation centers to evaluate physiotherapist perceptions of individuals recovering from stroke, the practice environment, and their training on aerobic exercise in stroke. Physiotherapists at centers without a structured aerobic exercise program (n = 10) reported the lack of necessary resources and therapeutic support staff and the individuals' physical impairment as the greatest barriers. In contrast, physiotherapists at the center with a structured aerobic exercise program (n = 6) reported therapy selection (insufficient time in a single physiotherapy session) and concern for the individuals' cardiovascular risk and cognitive impairment as the greatest barriers. Both groups of physiotherapists indicated that fatigue was a barrier. Only physiotherapists at the center with a...
Source: Physiotherapy Theory and Practice - Category: Physiotherapy Authors: Tags: Physiother Theory Pract Source Type: research