Article

Aerobic exercise is recognized as part of comprehensive stroke rehabilitation in
best-practice and clinical guidelines, yet many individuals remain physically
inactive during their hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to identify
the perspectives of physiotherapists on aerobic exercise prescription and
implementation at in-patient stroke rehabilitation centers with and without a
structured aerobic exercise program. A survey was conducted at three Canadian
rehabilitation centers to evaluate physiotherapist perceptions of individuals
recovering from stroke, the practice environment, and their training on aerobic
exercise in stroke. Physiotherapists at centers without a structured aerobic
exercise program (n = 10) reported the lack of necessary resources and
therapeutic support staff and the individuals' physical impairment as the
greatest barriers. In contrast, physiotherapists at the center with a structured
aerobic exercise program (n = 6) reported therapy selection (insufficient time in
a single physiotherapy session) and concern for the individuals' cardiovascular
risk and cognitive impairment as the greatest barriers. Both groups of
physiotherapists indicated that fatigue was a barrier. Only physiotherapists at
the center with a structured aerobic exercise program had received continuing
education on aerobic exercise in stroke. The lack of resources at rehabilitation
centers without a structured aerobic exercise program needs to be addressed.
There remains a need for continuing education on aerobic training in stroke,
specifically on assessment and prescription using a standardized approach.

Langue : ANGLAIS