Effectiveness of a comprehensive physical activity promotion program on physical activity levels, mobility and quality of life in community-dwelling stroke survivors: a preliminary cluster randomised controlled trial

Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of a comprehensive Physical activity (PA) promotion program on mobility, quality of life, and PA levels among people with stroke living in the community. Methods: Four community health centres were randomly allocated to the two groups. Participants in the experimental group received a comprehensive PA promotion program over a period of 45 days, whereas control group received an education session. Participants mobility was measured using 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and 10-metre walk test (10MWT), quality of life was measured using Stroke specific quality of life (SSQoL) and PA levels were measured using Physical activity scale for individuals with physical disabilities (PASIPD), Global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ), and accelerometers. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, one month and three months post cessation of the intervention. Results: Mean age of the participants was 58.49 ± 10.01 years (n = 84). There was a group–time interaction in 6MWT [F (1, 95) = 29.723, p < 0.001, ŋ² = 0.266], fast walking speed [F (2, 125) =19.542, p < 0.01, ŋ² = 0.192], quality of life [(F (2, 139)=21.844, p < 0.001, ŋ² = 0.210)], PASIPD scores [F (2, 149) =13.548, p < 0.001, ŋ² = 0.142], GPAQ total MET mins [F (2, 143) = 13.105, p < 0.001, ŋ² = 0.138], and steps/day [F (1, 82) = 5.195, p = 0.025, ŋ² = 0.060]. Conclusion: Comprehensive PA promotion program appears to improve mobility, quality of life and PA among community-dwelling people with stroke.