Selecting behaviour change techniques to reduce sedentary behaviour in people with stroke using the Behaviour Change Wheel

Abstract

Background: Research has shown that sedentary behaviour increases the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease and mortality. People with stroke are highly sedentary. Therefore, reducing sedentary behaviour might reduce the risk of secondary events and death. Personalized strategies using behavioural change techniques (BCTs) directed at reducing sedentary behaviour in people with stroke are currently lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study is to systematically determine the BCTs for a behavioural change intervention, directed at reducing sedentary behaviour in community-dwelling people with stroke,.Method: To complete the stages of the Behaviour Change Wheel , information on understanding the behaviour, identifying intervention functions, identifying BCTs and modes of delivery were needed. Per stage a literature search was conducted and nominal group technique (NGT) sessions were conducted to identify BCTs. The NGT sessions were conducted with professionals working with people with stroke and international researchers working in the stroke or sedentary behaviour field. Four different patients symptom profiles, as frequently seen in clinical practice, were used by participants during the NGT sessions: : 1. no physical or cognitive impairments; profile 2. mainly cognitive impairments; profile 3. mainly physical impairments; and profile 4. both physical and cognitive impairments. Per profile participants made their choice by rating the BCTs.Results: Five BCTs should always be included: ‘goal setting’, ‘action planning’, ‘social support’, ‘problem solving’ and ‘restructuring of the social environment’. For patients without cognitive impairments, ‘self-monitoring’, ‘feedback on behaviour’, ‘information about health consequences’ and ‘goal setting on outcome’ were advised to be included, while for patients with cognitive impairments, ‘prompts/cues’, ‘graded tasks’, ‘restructuring the physical environment’ and ‘social support practical’ should be considered. Conclusion: BCTs were identified for a behavioural change intervention aiming to reduce sedentary behaviour in community-dwelling people with first-ever stroke. BCTs recommendations depend on the presence of physical and cognitive impairments, although ‘goal setting’, ‘action planning’, ‘social support’, ‘problem solving’ and ‘restructuring of the social environment’ are recommended in all people with first-ever stroke. The identified BCTs serve as the basis for further development of a personalized blended care intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour in people with stroke.