title: 'Masterstroke: a pilot group stroke prevention program for community dwelling stroke survivors'.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore whether a pilot secondary stroke prevention group program for community-dwelling chronic stroke survivors assisted participants in modifying their lifestyle to reduce their risk of secondary stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  A mixed methods study (quantitative and qualitative).
  
  
  METHODS
  Community.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-two community dwelling, chronic stroke survivors.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Masterstroke program incorporated a secondary prevention stroke group program over a 9-week period with two 2-h sessions weekly (1 hour for education and 1 hour for exercise). The exercise component incorporated fitness, strength, mobility and balance and education focused on secondary stroke prevention whilst also providing chronic condition self-management support.
  
  
  METHODS
  Timed Up and Go (TUG), Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Fat and Fibre Barometer, The Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale (SaQoL-39), and questionnaires for salt intake and stroke knowledge. Qualitative outcomes were participants' perceptions. Data analysis involved an inductive thematic approach with constant comparison.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were insufficient participants for results to reach statistical significance in all categories, however, statistically significant results where achieved with regards to knowledge, TUG, salt intake and quality of life (QoL) scores. Qualitative responses explored participants' experience of the Masterstroke program; results confirmed increases in knowledge about stroke and exercise tolerance, successfulness of a group program and lifestyle modification post stroke.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participation in the Masterstroke program for community dwelling stroke survivors resulted in significant improvements in knowledge, functional balance, dietary behaviours and quality of life. Qualitative interviews support the participants' implementation of lifestyle changes essential for reducing risks of secondary stroke. Results support the utilisation of this model and warrants rigorous investigation regarding long-term impacts of an education and exercise program on community dwelling stroke survivors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  • A program which incorporates exercise and education in a group setting may improve health-related quality of life and functional performance for community dwelling, chronic stroke survivors. • It is feasible for a multidisciplinary team to implement a secondary stroke prevention group program for community dwelling, chronic stroke survivors.
authors: Hunter Stroke Service, Hunter New England Area Health Service, Hunter Region Mail Centre, NSW, Australia. jennifer.white@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
authors: Jennifer H
authors: JH
authors: White
authors: Bridget L
authors: BL
authors: Bynon
authors: Jodie
authors: J
authors: Marquez
authors: Anne
authors: A
authors: Sweetapple
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Pollack
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012648:Self Care; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*