An exploration of knowledge and skills in monitoring exercise intensity during stroke rehabilitation: a qualitative study

• Grant number: 24/18811-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: March 10, 2025
• End date: March 09, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Thiago Luiz de Russo
• Grantee: Ana Flávia Silveira
• Supervisor: Sarah Moore
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Northumbria University, England
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/00506-3 - MODERADE TO VIGOROUS INTENSITY MULTIMODAL CIRCUIT TRAINING EFFICACY TO INCREASE STEPS PER DAY IN STROKE SURVIVORS: RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL., BP.DR

Abstract

Background: Monitoring physical activity for stroke survivors is widely recommended by clinical guidelines to ensure appropriate exercise intensity, aiding rehabilitation and motivation. Despite its importance, studies report barriers to effective monitoring, with the lack of suitable equipment being the most common issue. While physiotherapists have noted these challenges, the perspective of stroke survivors and their carers remains underexplored. Therefore, this study aims to explore the physiotherapists understanding and application of intensity as part of aerobic exercise prescription within stroke rehabilitation. Other objective is to explore stroke`s survivors knowledge and undertanding of intensity. Methods: Focus group discussions (FGDs) will include stroke healthcare professionals, stroke survivors, and their cares. Healthcare professionals must be qualified physiotherapists or stroke rehabilitation assistants currently working in stroke rehabilitation. Stroke survivors must have a confirmed stroke diagnosis, received physiotherapy, and be able to attend the FGDs. Clinicians will atend to the FDG´s online, while stroke survivors and their cares face-to-face. FGDs will be video/audio-recorded, andtranscribed verbatim. All transcripts will be analysed after each FGD to identify any unsubstantiated points to inform future FGD. Data will be coded and analyzed thematically with a protocol developed to aid coding. This research will provide crucial insight into monitoring exercise intensity from both clinician and patient perspectives.