Partnering to Increase Access to Community Exercise Programs for People With Stroke, Acquired Brain Injury, and Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

This model of exercise delivery provides people with neurological conditions with access to a safe, feasible and potentially beneficial exercise program in the community.

Important considerations for feasibility studies in physical activity research involving persons with multiple sclerosis: a scoping systematic review and case study

“…willingness of participants to be randomised to the proposed treatment group(s)No examplesNot assessedResources: assesses the time and resource problems that can occur during the main studyEstimate retention of participants in the study [23, 24] a (e.g. number of participants completing all aspects of study, number and reason for attrition)All participants completed study [35, 37, 39, 41, 44, 47, 52]Drop out reasons: the intervention [7, 38, 58]; changes in time commitments [35, 51, 58]; unable to travel [42, 45, 46]; MS relapse [52]; other medical issues [7, 43, 45, 58]; non-compliance with the study protocol [7]; and lost contact [35, 37, 45]90% of all participants completed studyDrop out reasons: changes in time commitment and other medical issuesDemonstrate appropriate eligibility criteria [23, 24] a (e.g. are criteria too inclusive/exclusive)All participants met inclusion criteria [47, 55]Exclusion reasons: participants were too active [35, 41]; too old [35]; recent relapse [35]; participation in another trial [35]; participation in formal rehabilitation [42]; non-MS diagnosis [35]; recent change in disease modifying therapy [35]; high fall history [41]; and cognitive deficits [41]32% of interested parties did not meet inclusion criteria.…”

“…participant transportation problems)Barriers identified: unable to travel [45, 46]; a change in personal time commitments [35, 51, 58]; MS relapse [52]; and other medical issues [7, 43, 45, 58]10% of interested parties chose not to participate; unable to commit timeDemonstrate compliance with study protocol [23, 24] a (e.g. do participants adhere to correct dosage of intervention sessions)Recorded via attendance at intervention [35, 37–40, 42–47, 50, 52, 58]; participant self-completed activity diaries [35, 37, 45–47]75% of intervention participants were fully compliant with exercise sessionsDemonstrate participants reaction to data collection and outcome assessments [23, 24] a (e.g. participants understanding of data collection tools)Compliance problems identified: participants unable to complete walking tasks [57]; general difficulties with assessment procedures [37]Time to complete outcome questionnaires: baseline, 40 min; follow-up 48 minEstimate access to/cost of equipment, space, personnel time [24] (e.g.…”

“…suitability of a home-based exercise programme)Recorded via participant and staff interviews [43, 49, 52]Feedback questionnaires and telephone interviews indicate intervention suitableDetermine clinician training needs and competence [24] (e.g. training in outcome assessment and/or intervention delivery)Recorded via reliability of assessor [44], Reported as staff training requirements described [42, 44, 55]Not assessedManagement: assesses potential human and data management problemsEstimate research site capacity [24] (e.g. phone-line, database, clinic/research site capacity)Reported as staff time required for recruitment [49]Staff preparation and reporting time: 263 h across 4 staff membersEstimate equipment usage [23] (e.g.…”

Allocation of Rehabilitation Services for Older Adults in the Ontario Home Care System

“…For example, there have been recent initiatives throughout Ontario to establish community-based exercise programs for people with neurological conditions. 32,33 Participants also indicated an interest in seeing enhanced decision support systems for rehabilitation therapy services in home care. Using the routinely collected RAI-HC data, researchers and the CCACs could develop decision support systems to identify individuals who would have the greatest trouble accessing community-based services (e.g., those who are homebound or severely immobile or those who live in regions in which physiotherapy is not available in the community).…”

Experiences participating in a community-based exercise programme from the perspective of people living with HIV: a qualitative study

“…A CBEP includes a structured set of exercises designed for individuals with specific exercise needs; they commonly involve a group of persons with similar conditions exercising under the supervision of a physiotherapist or a fitness instructor, with the goal of promoting and continuing regular exercise in the community. [15][16][17][18] CBEPs are widely used among people with chronic and episodic conditions demonstrating improvements in endurance and balance, and measures of depression for people with multiple sclerosis, cancer and stroke. 19 20 Given the increasing chronicity and multimorbidity associated with HIV, CBEPs may offer an effective and sustainable self-management strategy to improve health outcomes for PLWH.…”