title: Experiences of an exercise referral scheme from the perspective of people with chronic stroke: a qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore stroke survivors' experiences of undertaking exercise in the context of an exercise referral scheme for people with chronic stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative design, using semi-structured interviews within a constructivist framework to explore the experiences of individual participants. Verbatim transcripts were thematically analysed. Rigour mechanisms included respondent validation, peer checking, and reflexivity.
  
  
  METHODS
  An exercise referral scheme, based at a leisure centre in South London.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine community-dwelling stroke survivors took part; 5 male and 4 female, mean age 51 years (range 37-61 years); time post stroke 1-4 years, with mixed ethnic backgrounds.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants described greater physical and psychological well-being following participation in the exercise referral scheme. Categories that emerged were: improved exercise engagement and confidence, more internalised perceptions of control and enhanced lifestyle, work and social roles. Categories linked to form a master theme, labelled: 'Exercise Referral Scheme as a catalyst for regaining independence.'
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study supports the value of exercise referral schemes in enabling people with stroke to engage in exercise. For participants in this study, the scheme seemed influential in the process of regaining independence.
authors.affiliation: Physiotherapy Department, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, UK. hrsharma@btinternet.com
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: Cathy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bulley
authors.forename: Frederike M J
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: van Wijck
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003153:Community Health Services; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living / Q000523:psychology; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients / Q000523:psychology*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology