Community cycling exercise for stroke survivors is feasible and acceptable

Background: Physical activity is recommended after stroke but levels for stroke survivors are typically low. The use of indoor recumbent cycling, delivered through local government leisure facilities, may increase access to exercise among stroke survivors.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of an indoor cycling program delivered through existing local government services.

Methods: Participants were recruited through stroke liaison nurses and public advertising. After a home visit to assess eligibility and conduct psychological and general health assessments, participants attended their local leisure center for an initial fitness test and short battery of physical tests. Then, an 8 week training program was designed with weekly goals. Following the program the assessments were retaken along with an evaluation questionnaire. In-depth, semi-structured, interviews were conducted with 15 participants and five fitness coaches.

Results: One hundred fifteen individuals volunteered to participate during a 10-month recruitment period, 77 met the inclusion criteria and consented, 66/77 (86%) completed the program including all nine non-ambulatory participants. The program and procedures (recruitment and outcome measures) were feasible and acceptable to participants (81% reported following the program). Participants were generally very positive about the experience. Significant improvements in sit-to-stand capacity (M_pre = 25.2 s, M_post = 19.0 s, p = .002), activities of daily living (NEADL, M_pre = 12.2, M_post = 13.2, p = .002), psychosocial functioning (SAQOL, M_pre = 3.82, M_post = 4.15, p = .001), energy (SAQOL, M_pre = 3.75, M_post = 4.02, p = .018) and depression (GHQ, M_pre = .97, M_post = .55, p = .009) were observed.

Conclusion: A cycling-based exercise program delivered through local leisure center staff and facilities was shown to be feasible and acceptable for people living with stroke.