The psychosocial effects of exercise and relaxation classes for persons surviving a stroke.
BACKGROUND
This study was set up to explore unexpected findings emergent from a randomized controlled trial of exercise versus relaxation post-stroke.


OBJECTIVE
Stroke survivors' experiences of taking part in exercise and relaxation classes were explored.


METHODS
In-depth, semi-structured interviews carried out with 14 community-dwelling stroke survivors in Edinburgh. The informants previously participated in a randomized exploratory trial of exercise versus relaxation.


RESULTS
The classes motivated participants to take part in other purposeful activities, to continue to practice what they had learned, and/or to attend another class in the community. Class participation also led to an improvement of self-perceived quality of life, specifically, improved confidence, physical ability, psychosocial functioning, and a sense of empowerment.


CONCLUSIONS
Taking part in either exercise or relaxation classes after stroke can contribute to improved self-perceived quality of life, improved psychosocial functioning, and improved motivation to take an active role in the recovery process.
Carin-Levy
Gail
G
School of Social Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland. GCarin-Levy@qmu.ac.uk
Kendall
Marilyn
M
Young
Archie
A
Mead
Gillian
G
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012064:Relaxation Therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation