Quantitative data analysis of perceived barriers and motivators to physical activity in stroke survivors

Background Levels of physical activity after stroke are low, despite multiple health benefits. We explored stroke survivors’ perceived barriers, motivators, self-efficacy and intention to physical activity.

Methods Fifty independently mobile stroke survivors were recruited prior to hospital discharge. Participants rated nine possible motivators and four possible barriers based on the Mutrie Scale, as having ‘no influence’, ‘some influence’ or ‘a major influence’ on physical activity. Participants also rated their self-efficacy and intention to increasing walking.

Results The most common motivator was ‘physical activity is good for health’ [34 (68%)]. The most common barrier was ‘feeling too tired’ [24 (48%)]. Intention and self-efficacy were high. Self-efficacy was graded as either 4 or 5 (highly confident) on a five-point scale by [34 (68%)] participants, while 42 (84%) ‘strongly agreed’ or ‘agreed’ that they intended to increase their walking.

Conclusion Participants felt capable of increasing physical activity but fatigue was often perceived as a barrier to physical activity. This needs to be considered when encouraging stroke survivors to be more active.