Overview
This study will determine the acceptability of delivering seated exercises online and if seated exercises can improve balance, mobility, quality of life, and cardiometabolic health in those living with a stroke related mobility impairment.
Participants will be allocated to either a 10-week seated exercise program or a delayed 2-week Boot Camp program. All seated exercises sessions and assessments will be conducted virtually.
Description
The study will be a virtual 10-week multi-site, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial with an embedded qualitative component. The study will be conducted in real time using secure videoconferencing software (Zoom). Participants will be randomized 1:1 to a 10-week Seated Exercise group or a delayed 2-week Seated Exercise Group (Boot Camp). Seated exercise sessions will be delivered and supervised by a trained instructor.
Participants will use their own computer, laptop, or tablet for the zoom sessions. No Zoom sessions will be recorded. Caregivers will be invited to attend each exercise session to provide support and assistance but are not obliged to attend. A caregiver, friend, or family member will be required for each assessment to participate in the study.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
Participants must meet the following inclusion criteria:
- Adult (as defined by Province)
- Chronic stroke (more than 6 months post-stroke)
- Ability to stand up from a chair
- Mobility impairment of lower extremity (requires a walking aid, with or without close supervision)
- Able to safely engage in exercise and tolerate 60 minutes of exercises
- Able to communicate in English
- Have access to a tablet, computer, or laptop with internet and email access
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants will be excluded if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Participating in formal exercise or rehabilitation activities
- Participating in > 30 minutes/day of physical activity (moderate intensity)
- Participating in another study that may affect outcomes to this study
- Severe loss of vision, hearing, speech (including aphasia) or cognition that would preclude use of a computer/tablet and communication over videoconference software
- A serious comorbid condition (eg., amputation, Parkinson's disease, active cancer)
- Clinically diagnosed with acute/chronic illness or other condition which has known physical activity contraindications or limits their ability to complete each experimental condition (i.e., chronic low back pain aggravated by prolonged sitting)