Self-Managed Exercise in Chronic Stroke

This pilot study will assess the feasibility of a novel intervention to promote long‐termself‐managed exercise for post‐stroke community‐dwelling individuals. We will test amulti‐disciplinary intervention that includes Behavioral Management as an adjuvant toexercise on the ability of post‐stroke community‐dwelling individuals to self‐managesustained Physical Activity. In Phase I, participants will engage in a clinician‐led18‐session in‐home intervention of respiratory, strengthening and cardiovascular exerciseand a weekly 1‐hour virtual Behavioral Management Program of motivational interviewingand goal setting related to participants' Phase I exercise program. A waist‐worn sensorwill provide minutes/day in activity and sedentary behavior. Phase II will beginfollowing the 18‐session guided program. Participants will be followed for two‐monthswith weekly check‐ins of behavioral management program and for exercise progression.Participants will continue to wear the activity monitor with the goal to independentlyattain 150 minutes of Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity/week. This proposedBehavioral Management Program (BMP) + Exercise Program (EP) package has the potential todecrease cardiovascular risk and secondary stroke in those living with chronic stroke.The expected outcome of this proposal will provide an evidence‐based intervention tosustain the health of those living with post‐stroke disability. The impact of thisproposal may have far‐reaching effects; this multi‐disciplinary program could readily beadapted for others living with a chronic illness to ensure optimal health and quality oflife in the presence of physical disability.