The perceived benefits of community-based group exercise sessions for survivors of stroke

Background/Aims Post-stroke physical disability, cognitive impairment and emotional trauma can adversely affect the wellbeing of people who have survived stroke. Active participation in group exercise programmes has been advocated as an intervention to potentially enhance wellbeing. This study adopted a qualitative approach to explore the experiences of survivors of stroke who were participating in ongoing community-based group exercise sessions and their impact on subjective wellbeing. Methods Interviews were conducted with 12 participants from four community-based group exercise sessions. Of these, 6 were survivors of stroke (44-60 years) and the remaining 6 participants comprised caregivers, group coordinators and/or instructors, who were closely involved with sessions attended by the stroke survivors. Results Thematic analysis revealed that participation in community-based group exercise sessions offered survivors opportunities for building confidence; enhancing motivation; improving physical ability of affected limbs; enhancing interpersonal relationships; and providing support and knowledge. Participants all agreed that these physical and psychosocial benefits contributed to improved wellbeing and this supported previous research on the benefits of group work. Conclusions Participants explained how community-based group exercise sessions had facilitated their recovery journey and hence it is recommended that such programmes are made available, accessible and affordable to survivors of stroke.