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Feasibility Of Integrating Survivors Of Stroke Into Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study, Elizabeth W. Regan, Reed Handlery, Jill C. Stewart, Joseph Lee Pearson Ms,Drph, Sara Wilcox Ph.D., Stacy Fritz

Faculty Publications

Background Survivors of stroke are often deconditioned and have limited opportunities for exercise post-rehabilitation. Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR), a structured exercise program offered post-cardiac event in the United States (U.S.), may provide an opportunity for continued exercise.

The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of integrating survivors of stroke into an existing, hospital-based CR program through an assessment of (1) recruitment, uptake and retention, (2) adherence and fidelity, (3) acceptability and (4) safety.

Methods A mixed methods design combined a single group, pre-post design, pilot feasibility study with an imbedded qualitative inquiry. Survivors of stroke were recruited into …

Integrating Survivors Of Stroke Into Exercise‐Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Improves Endurance And Functional Strength, Elizabeth Wherley Regan Dpt, Ph.D., Reed Handlery, Jill Campbell Stewart, Joseph Lee Pearson Ms,Drph, Sarah Wilcox Phd, Stacy L. Fritz Phd, Pt

Faculty Publications

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a structured exercise program prevalent in the United States for people with cardiovascular disease that has been shown to increase cardiovascular endurance and improve quality of life. Despite similar cardiovascular risk factors, stroke is not among the covered diagnoses for CR. The purpose of this study was to examine the participant impact of integrating survivors of stroke into the exercise portion of an existing hospital‐based CR program through measures of physical function and other health impacts and through qualitative evaluation of participant perception.

Methods and Results

Subacute and chronic survivors of stroke were integrated into …