Experiences of participation in cardiorespiratory training among people with post-stroke fatigue: a qualitative study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2340/jrm.v57.42282Keywords:
cerebrovascular disorders, post-stroke fatigue, cardiorespiratory training, qualitative study, physiotherapyAbstract
Objective: To explore the experiences of 8-week thrice-weekly supervised intense cardiorespiratory interval training at home in people with post-stroke fatigue.
Design: Qualitative, using semi-structured individual interviews.
Methods: Eleven people with post-stroke fatigue were recruited from a study investigating the effects of supervised intense cardiorespiratory interval training. The interviews were conducted 1–2 weeks after the intervention period and analysed inductively with qualitative content analysis.
Results: The theme “Supervised cardiorespiratory interval training at home was perceived as feasible and safe, reducing fatigue and contributing to enhanced self-efficacy in both exercise and everyday life” was based on 4 main categories: “Experiences of performing the intervention and testing, “Perceived impact of the intervention on fatigue”, “Perceived impact of the intervention on self-efficacy”, and “The reinforcing experiences of exercise transfer to everyday life”. The informants reported that participating in the intervention made them feel physically and mentally stronger and no longer restricted by a lack of confidence in performing activities that increased their heart rate.
Conclusions: Participating in supervised intense cardiorespiratory interval training provided a model on how to train, which was transferable to other contexts in everyday life. The training improved exercise self-efficacy and gave the informants the confidence to challenge themselves in everyday life.
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