Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Physical Activity Maintenance Intervention for People With Stroke

After a stroke, many people don't stay physically active enough, which can increase their risk of further health problems. While programmes like PREP (Post Rehabilitation Exercise Programme) help people get started, it's often hard to continue being active for a long time afterwards. This study is looking into how to design and test a new type of support that helps stroke survivors maintain their physical activity over many months and years. Researchers will work closely with stroke patients, their carers, and healthcare staff to make sure the new programme is something they find useful, acceptable, and easy to follow. The goal is to develop a programme that truly meets the needs of those living with stroke.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Ulster

Enrolment target

Start

12 Dec 2024

Estimated completion

28 Aug 2026

Stroke

What is this study about?

Many people who have had a stroke find it hard to stay physically active in the long run. This is a problem because not moving enough can increase their chances of having another stroke or developing other health issues. While there are good programmes out there, like the Post Rehabilitation Exercise Programme (PREP) from Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke, the challenge is often keeping up that activity once the programme finishes. This study is designed to tackle that very challenge.

The main idea behind this research is to create a new support programme that helps people who have had a stroke keep up their physical activity for a longer time. To do this, the researchers want to hear from everyone involved: stroke survivors, their family members or carers, and the healthcare staff who support them. By involving these key groups, the study aims to make sure the new programme is practical, something people will use, and genuinely helpful.

The study will happen in different stages. First, researchers will talk to people in focus groups to understand what they think is important for a new programme. Then, they will work together with these groups to design and refine the programme step-by-step. Finally, they will try out this new programme with groups of people who have completed PREP, to see how it works in real life.

Key takeaways

Aims to help stroke survivors stay active long-term.
Works with patients, carers, and staff to design the programme.
Participation involves sharing ideas in group discussions.
No physical exercise or medication required for the study.
Your input helps create a more effective support programme.
You can leave the study at any time without affecting your care.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you would generally need to be an adult aged 18 or older who has had a stroke and is either currently taking part in the PREP programme or has completed it. If you have difficulty speaking, you can still participate using other ways to communicate, like special devices.

Carers who have helped an adult with a stroke complete the PREP programme are also welcome to join. Additionally, staff members who work with PREP, such as care coordinators or physiotherapists, or other community staff who support stroke survivors with physical activity, can also participate.

You would not be able to join if you can't have a group conversation, or if you are a carer who doesn't know anything about PREP. If the focus groups are online, you'd need access to a device with internet and a microphone. Also, if you're already on the study's advisory board, you can't take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or over?
Have you had a stroke?
Are you currently in the PREP programme, or have you completed it?
Are you a carer who helped someone with stroke in PREP, or PREP/community staff?
Can you participate in a group conversation?
For online meetings, do you have internet access and a microphone?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would primarily be involved in sharing your thoughts and experiences. This would likely involve attending one or more group discussions, known as focus groups or workshops. These would aim to gather your ideas on what a long-term physical activity programme should look like, what it should include, and how it should be delivered.

There are no medications or special health assessments involved for participants. The total duration of your involvement could vary, depending on whether you take part in one stage or multiple stages of the study (for example, first contributing your ideas and then helping to design the programme). There would not be any follow-up appointments related to your health or physical activity directly from this research, as the study focuses on developing the programme itself.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study offers the benefit of helping to shape a new programme that could significantly improve long-term physical activity for stroke survivors in Northern Ireland. Your input would be vital in making sure the programme is relevant, helpful, and easy to stick with. Potential risks are very low; mainly, it would involve your time and sharing your opinions in a group setting. Your privacy will be protected. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your care or relationship with any healthcare providers.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Ulster University
Verified postcode
Belfast, United Kingdom
Ulster University
Verified postcode
Belfast, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is PREP?

PREP stands for Post Rehabilitation Exercise Programme, which is a programme run by Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke to help people who have had a stroke become more active.

Why is this study important?

It's important because many stroke survivors find it hard to keep active long-term after initial programmes finish, and this study aims to create better support for them.

Will I have to do physical exercise in this study?

No, this study is about designing a programme; you won't be asked to do physical exercise as part of your participation in the research itself.

How long will I need to be involved?

Your involvement could range from attending one focus group to participating in a few workshops, depending on the stage of the study you are involved in.

Is my personal information kept private?

Yes, all your personal information and shared opinions will be kept private and handled with care.