The Feasibility of a Telehealth Exercise Program Aimed at Increasing Cardiorespiratory Fitness for People After Stroke

• Main Authors: Margaret Galloway, Dianne L. Marsden, Robin Callister, Michael Nilsson, Kirk I. Erickson, Coralie English
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University Library System, University of Pittsburgh 2019-12-01
• Series: International Journal of Telerehabilitation
• Subjects: cardiorespiratory fitness; exercise; stroke; telemedicine; telerehabilitation
• Online Access: http://telerehab.pitt.edu/ojs/index.php/Telerehab/article/view/6290

Background: Accessing suitable fitness programs post-stroke is difficult for many. The feasibility of telehealth delivery has not been previously reported. Objectives: To assess the feasibility of, and level of satisfaction with home-based telehealth-supervised aerobic exercise training post-stroke. Methods: Twenty-one ambulant participants (? 3 months post-stroke) participated in a home-based telehealth-supervised aerobic exercise program (3 d/week, moderate-vigorous intensity, 8-weeks) and provided feedback via questionnaire postintervention. Session details, technical issues, and adverse events were also recorded. Results: Feasibility was high (83% of volunteers met telehealth eligibility criteria, 85% of sessions were conducted by telehealth, and 95% of participants rated usability favourably). Ninety-five percent enjoyed telehealth exercise sessions and would recommend them to others. The preferred telehealth exercise program parameters were: frequency 3 d/week, duration 20-30 min/session, program length 6-12 weeks. Conclusion: The telehealth delivery of exercise sessions to people after stroke appears