A description of physical activity behaviors, barriers, and motivators in stroke survivors in Quebec

Background: Stroke survivors do not meet physical activity (PA) recommendations to accrue the associated health benefits. Perceived barriers and motivators to PA can be influenced by geographic and cultural nuances that are important to consider when developing stroke-specific PA interventions.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to describe PA duration and frequency, barriers and motivators to PA, and to explore sex and ages differences in PA among stroke survivors in Quebec.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was used to recruit Quebecers through special interest groups and word-of-mouth that experienced a stroke (≥ 18 y, ≥ 1 y post-stroke). Twenty-one survey items were related to demographic information, PA behavior, barriers and motivators to PA, and physical inactivity. Summary statistics were calculated using SPSS.

Results: Thirty individuals who were 7.6 ± 8.3 years post-stroke completed the survey. Light intensity aerobic PA was reported by 97% of participants, moderate intensity PA by 70%, high intensity by 30%, and 37% reported doing strength training. Barriers to PA were fear of falling (47%), not feeling comfortable participating in PA at a gym (33%) and lack of energy (30%), while motivators included, improving physical condition (87%), feeling good (67%) and reducing risk of subsequent stroke (70%).

Conclusion: Our findings show that 30 stroke survivors from Quebec did not achieve the minimal PA recommendations. Alternative approaches to PA should consider accessibility, safety, and enhancing fitness to optimize PA participation for stroke survivors living in Quebec.