Feasibility of context-specific activities for improving physical activity levels among Indian adults with stroke

Abstract

Purpose

To design and test the feasibility of context-specific activities for improving physical activity (PA) levels among Indian adults with stroke.

Methods

Context-specific activities were developed after a thorough literature search and inputs from five adults with stroke and five experts. Following which 17 adults with stroke were recruited. Participants were asked to choose at least three activities from the list of context-specific activities and to perform them every day for one month. Participants' pre and post-intervention PA levels and quality of life (QoL) were assessed using the physical activity scale for individuals with physical disabilities (PASIPD) and stroke specific quality of life (SSQoL). At the end of the program, participants were also interviewed to explore their experiences with the program.

Results

The list of context-specific activities included 45 activities under aerobic, strengthening, and balance domains. Fifteen participants [mean (SD) age 56.94 (9.87)] completed the one-month intervention. Intervention adherence rate was 86.6%. No adverse events were noted, and participants were satisfied with the program. PASIPD and SSQoL (MD − 6.52) scores showed significant improvement post-intervention.

Conclusions

Context-specific activities are designed for Indian adults with stroke. Context-specific activities are feasible, safe and help to improve PA and QoL.

Keywords:

• Chronic stroke
• low-to-middle income country
• physical activity
• quality of life
• stroke survivors

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Public Health Foundation of India under Grant [UTN-RG1116037].