Self-Managed Exercise in Chronic Stroke

This pilot study will assess the feasibility of a novel intervention to promote long-term self-managed exercise for post-stroke community-dwelling individuals. We will test a multi-disciplinary intervention that includes Behavioral Management as an adjuvant to exercise on the ability of post-stroke community-dwelling individuals to self-manage sustained Physical Activity. In Phase I, participants will engage in a clinician-led 18-session in-home intervention of respiratory, strengthening and cardiovascular exercise and a weekly 1-hour virtual Behavioral Management Program of motivational interviewing and goal setting related to participants' Phase I exercise program. A waist-worn sensor will provide minutes/day in activity and sedentary behavior. Phase II will begin following the 18-session guided program. Participants will be followed for two-months with weekly check-ins of behavioral management program and for exercise progression. Participants will continue to wear the activity monitor with the goal to independently attain 150 minutes of Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity/week. This proposed Behavioral Management Program (BMP) + Exercise Program (EP) package has the potential to decrease cardiovascular risk and secondary stroke in those living with chronic stroke. The expected outcome of this proposal will provide an evidence-based intervention to sustain the health of those living with post-stroke disability. The impact of this proposal may have far-reaching effects; this multi-disciplinary program could readily be adapted for others living with a chronic illness to ensure optimal health and quality of life in the presence of physical disability.