The Feasibility of a Telehealth Exercise Program Aimed at Increasing Cardiorespiratory Fitness for People After Stroke

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2019.6290

Keywords:

Cardiorespiratory fitness, Exercise, Stroke, Telemedicine, Telerehabilitation

Abstract

Background: Accessing suitable fitness programs post-stroke is difficult for many. The feasibility of telehealth delivery has not been previously reported.

Objectives: To assess the feasibility of, and level of satisfaction with home-based telehealth-supervised aerobic exercise training post-stroke.

Methods: Twenty-one ambulant participants (?3 months post-stroke) participated in a home-based telehealth-supervised aerobic exercise program (3 d/week, moderate-vigorous intensity, 8-weeks) and provided feedback via questionnaire postintervention. Session details, technical issues, and adverse events were also recorded.

Results: Feasibility was high (83% of volunteers met telehealth eligibility criteria, 85% of sessions were conducted by telehealth, and 95% of participants rated usability favourably). Ninety-five percent enjoyed telehealth exercise sessions and would recommend them to others. The preferred telehealth exercise program parameters were: frequency 3 d/week, duration 20-30 min/session, program length 6-12 weeks.

Conclusion: The telehealth delivery of exercise sessions to people after stroke appears

  

Author Biographies

Margaret Galloway, University of Newcastle

PhD student

Dianne L. Marsden, Hunter New England Local Health District

Hunter Stroke Service

Robin Callister, University of Newcastle

 Professor of Human Physiology (School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy)

Michael Nilsson

Professor, Faculty of Medicine

Kirk I. Erickson, University of Pittsburgh

Professor (Department of Psychology)

Coralie English, University of Newcastle

A/Prof

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Published

2019-12-12

How to Cite

Galloway, M., Marsden, D. L., Callister, R., Nilsson, M., Erickson, K. I., & English, C. (2019). The Feasibility of a Telehealth Exercise Program Aimed at Increasing Cardiorespiratory Fitness for People After Stroke. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 11(2), 9–28. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2019.6290

Issue

Section

Clinical Report