Feasibility of a remotely supervised home-based group eHealth Fitness and Mobility Exercise program for stroke: French-Canadian version preliminary study

ABSTRACT

Background

The numerous barriers to community-based physical activity programs have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among individuals with disabilities. eHealth programs may provide an alternative approach to address the physical activity needs of stroke survivors, but little is known about their feasibility or acceptance.

Objective

The aims of this study were to 1) evaluate the feasibility of a remotely supervised home-based group eHealth program called Fitness and Mobility Exercise (FAME@home); 2) explore the influence of FAME@home on physical condition, mobility, self-efficacy, depression and anxiety; and 3) describe participants’ satisfaction and experiences.

Methods

A pre-post pilot study was used to recruit stroke survivors (>1 y post stroke) to complete a 12-week (2 days/week) eHealth program in small groups (n = 3). Feasibility indicators were assessed for process (e.g. inclusion criteria), resources (e.g. ability to use technology), management (e.g. major challenges), and treatment (e.g. influence on clinical outcomes and adverse events).

Results

Nine participants were recruited with a mean (SD) of 60 (13) years of age and 7 (4) years post-stroke; eight completed the program. FAME@home was feasible for indicators of process, management, and treatment. Minor considerations to improve resources were suggested (i.e. support for technology use). There were statistically significant improvements in mobility after completion of FAME@home and 100% of the participants reported satisfaction. No adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

FAME@home was feasible to deliver as a remotely supervised group exercise program to community-dwelling stroke survivors, with high levels of retention and adherence. FAME@home improved accessibility to exercise and facilitated engagement by having a class schedule and social interaction.

KEYWORDS:

• Physical activity
• eHealth
• stroke
• mobility

Impact statement

• It is feasible and safe to deliver a home-based structured and supervised exercise program remotely to small groups of ambulatory stroke survivors.

• eHealth may be a feasible solution to maintain the delivery of structured exercise programs while respecting public health measures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge participants who take their time to participate at FAME@home. As well as health professionals and researchers who gave precious advice on FAME modification and helped to increase the safety and feasibility of this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Réseau Provincial de Recherche en Adaptation-Réadaptation [2020].