Face to face and telephone-based self-management programmes were identified as having promise to engage stroke survivors in PA behaviour change .
Background Increasing physical activity ( PA ) levels ( regular movement such as walking and activities of daily living ) and reducing time spent sedentary improves cardiovascular health and reduces morbidity and mortality .
Fewer than 30 % of independently mobile stroke survivors undertake recommended levels of PA .
Sedentary behaviour is also high in this population .
We aim ed to systematic ally review the study characteristics and the promise of interventions targeting free-living PA and /or sedentary behaviour in adult stroke survivors .
Promoting physical activity after stroke via self-management: a feasibility study
Abstract Background : Many people with mild disability after stroke are physically inactive despite the risk of recurrent stroke . A self-management program may be one strategy to increase physical activity in stroke survivors . Objectives : To investigate the feasibility of a self-management program , and determine whether self-management can increase daily physical activity levels and self-efficacy for exercise , decrease cardiovascular risk , and improve walking ability , participation , and quality of life in people with mild disability after stroke . Method : A Phase I , single-group , pre-post intervention study was carried out with twenty stroke survivors who had mild disability and were discharged directly home from acute stroke units . A self-management program was delivered via five home-based sessions over 3 months , incorporating : education , goal setting , barrier identification , self-monitoring , and feedback .  Feasibility of the intervention was determined by examining adherence , duration , usefulness , and safety . Clinical outcomes were amount of physical activity ( duration of moderate physical activity in min/day and counts of physical activity in steps/day ) , self-efficacy , cardiovascular risk , walking ability , participation , and quality of life . Results : The intervention was feasible with 96 % of sessions being delivered , each taking less than an hour ( 41 min , SD 12 ) . Participants perceived the self-management program to be useful and there were few adverse events . At 3 months , participants completed 27 min/day ( 95 % CI 4–49 ) more moderate physical activity than at baseline and 16 min/day ( 95 % CI −10 to 42 ) at 6 months . Conclusion : Self-management appears to be feasible and has the potential to increase physical activity in people with mild disability after stroke . A Phase II r and omized trial is warranted
Face to face and telephone-based self-management programmes were identified as having promise to engage stroke survivors in PA behaviour change .
Background Increasing physical activity ( PA ) levels ( regular movement such as walking and activities of daily living ) and reducing time spent sedentary improves cardiovascular health and reduces morbidity and mortality .
Fewer than 30 % of independently mobile stroke survivors undertake recommended levels of PA .
Sedentary behaviour is also high in this population .
We aim ed to systematic ally review the study characteristics and the promise of interventions targeting free-living PA and /or sedentary behaviour in adult stroke survivors .