Exercise Compliance in Patients with Stroke Following Physical Therapy Treatment

Background: Stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident is caused when the brain does not receive enough blood supply, thus preventing brain from receiving oxygen and nutrients. Its divided into two major categories: ischemic and hemorrhagic. A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Objective: To determine the level of exercise compliance following Physical Therapy treatment in patients with stroke. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in different hospitals of Lahore on 139 participants in Lahore, ages between 45 to 70, both genders, patients with both ischemic and/or hemorrhagic stroke and those following a home based plan were included for the study. Any participants unwilling for follow-ups, with cognitive impairments, diabetes or ischemic heart disease and unable to communicate were excluded. For the collection of the data, a researcher designed questionnaire was used. An informed consent was taken from the study participants. SPSS 25 was used for data analysis. Results: 31.7% of the participants agreed that exercise was beneficial to health and 36.7% remained neutral. 23.0% strongly agreed and 25.9% agreed their preference were scheduled exercise programs. 35.3% agreed to feel better when they were active and 30.9% disagreed to this. Sense of accomplishment, keep mind active and good for heart were significant motivators to exercise adherence. Lack of strength, shortness of breath and bad weather were significant barriers. Conclusion: There was little to moderate level of compliance with exercise in patients with stroke following physiotherapy intervention. Keywords: exercise, exercise compliance, physical therapy, stroke