To Evaluate The Efficacy Of A Physical Activity Self-Monitoring Intervention For Stroke Survivors

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a physical activity self monitoring intervention program using a log sheet for stroke impaired elderly in the community.MethodsThis research was an intervention study.There were 93 stroke-impaired elderly recruited from two communities located Hangdong and Linshanzhai in Zhengzhou City. They were assigned into two groups: 45 participants in the experimental group and another 48 participants in the control group. The experimental group participated a 12-week physical activity program using a log sheet to record their activity level.The control group only attended two health education sessions. The study instruments included demographic sheet, Chinese Self-efficacy for Exercise Scale(SEE-C),Questionnaire of Exercise Adherence(EAQ), Barthel Index(BI) and Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale(SS-QOL) to evaluate the efficacy of the 12-week physical activity intervention program. Data were collected in four time points: T1(before theintervention), T2(post-intervention), T3(one month after the intervention), T4(three months after the intervention).SPSS17.0 was used for data analysis, using the descriptive statistics, T test or chi-square Text, the repetitive measurement deviation analysis.Results①The SEE score of intervention group is higher than control group after intervention, after 1 month and 3 months later. There was statistical significance of the SEE score between the two groups(P<0.05). ②The EAQ score of intervention group is higher than control group after intervention, after 1 month and 3months later. There was statistical significance of the EAQ score between the two groups(P<0.001). ③The BI score of intervention group is higher than control group after intervention, after 1 month and 3 months later. There was statistical significance of the BI score between the two groups(P<0.001). ④There was no statistical significance of the SS-QOL score between the two groups after intervention,after 1 month and 3 months later(P>0.05).ConclusionsThe study findings have shown that a physical activity self monitoring intervention program using a log sheet to record the individual’s activity level can sustain the participation of the program.This study reports that the exercise adherence of the elderly with stroke impaired in the experimental group has also been enhanced through this intervention program.