title: The psychosocial effects of exercise and relaxation classes for persons surviving a stroke.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: School of Social Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland. GCarin-Levy@qmu.ac.uk
authors.forename: Gail
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Carin-Levy
authors.forename: Marilyn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kendall
authors.forename: Archie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: Gillian
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mead
mesh_terms: 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