Rimmer, J. H., Wang, E., & Smith, D. (2008). Barriers associated with exercise and community access for individuals with stroke. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development, 45(2), 315-322.

Abstract written by Neil Cummins

The purpose of this study was to determine why increasing participation in physical activity among people with stroke seems to be challenging for healthcare professionals. Eighty-three adults ranging from ages 30 to 70 years (mean = 54.2 years) with unilateral stroke participated in the study. The Barriers to Physical Activity and Disability Survey (B-PADS) was used to collect data (via telephone) on the types of barriers (personal/environmental/facility) that individuals with disabilities experience related to exercise participation. The five most common barriers were: (1) cost (61%), (2) lack of awareness of a local center (57%), (3) transportation (57%), (4) no knowledge of how to exercise (46%), and (5) no knowledge of where to exercise (44%). The least common barriers were (1) lack of interest (16%), (2) lack of time (11%), and (3) concern about worsening their condition (1%). Most participants were interested in starting the exercise program, and felt the program would improve their condition. Nearly 80% of the participants were encouraged by their physicians to exercise though physicians seemingly preferred certain post-stroke rehabilitation exercise rather than general exercise in fitness centers. This information is useful in providing insight in helping individuals with stroke and/or their caregivers overcome barriers to exercise. It is of paramount importance that healthcare professionals systematically identify and remove barriers to exercise when referring patients with stroke from rehabilitation to community-based exercise in order to increase participation.

To read the full abstract, go to http://www.ncpad.org/561/2500/Barriers~associated~with~exercise~and~community~access~for
~individuals~with~stroke.