Patient experiences of physical activity and inactivity in the stroke unit: an interview study

Authors

  • Malin Reinholdsson Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2005-3463
  • Gisela Herranen Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
  • Katharina S. Sunnerhagen Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Neurocare, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5940-4400
  • Annie Palstam Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Neurocare, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7127-213X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2340/jrm.v56.19502

Keywords:

Exercise, interview, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, stroke, thematic analysis, qualitative research

Abstract

Objective: Stroke unit care is highly recommended after stroke, but patients in these units are often physically inactive. The aim of this study was to explore patient experiences of physical activity and inactivity in the stroke unit.

Design: Qualitative interview study.

Subjects: Sixteen participants with stroke; a heterogeneous sample with differences in sex, age, and stroke severity from 8 Swedish stroke units.

Methods: In-depth interviews 1–2 weeks after discharge analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: The analysis resulted in three themes: 1: Dealing with the challenges of a changed body while striving to become independent; 2: The stroke unit is crucial for physical activity; and 3: Physical activity is important for interaction with others, autonomy, and feeling seen. Participants described how they coped with a new situation when finding new ways to move and function. In addition, they wanted to be involved in their own stroke rehabilitation.

Conclusion: The participants expressed the following experiences of being in the stroke unit: movement is more important than physical activity and involves being seen and respected; physical activity and exercise are necessary to achieve independence; process involvement is of importance to regain abilities; physical activity offers the possibility of choosing between community and being alone and influences the ability to connect with others and the outside world.

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Author Biographies

Katharina S. Sunnerhagen, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Neurocare, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden

Department of Clinical Neuroscience

Annie Palstam, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Neurocare, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden

Department of Clinical Neuroscience

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Published

2024-02-08

How to Cite

Reinholdsson, M., Herranen, G., Sunnerhagen, K. S., & Palstam, A. (2024). Patient experiences of physical activity and inactivity in the stroke unit: an interview study. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 56, jrm19502. https://doi.org/10.2340/jrm.v56.19502

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Vol. 56 (2024)

Section

Original Report

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Copyright (c) 2024 Malin Reinholdsson, Gisela Herranen, Katharina S. Sunnerhagen, Annie Palstam

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