Grant: Summer Program in Aging

BACKGROUND: Three in five patients are expected to live with a disability following a stroke; impairing balance and mobility. Improved mobility is often sought after in those with stroke. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in restricted access to community and outpatient rehabilitation programs, impacting the health of those with stroke. As a result, therapists have switched to delivering exercise programs over online platforms, with limited evidence to support their safety. As mobility and balance are a key focus in those with a physical impairment after stroke, we are proposing an online seated exercise program that can improve balance and mobility and be completed safely at home. PURPOSE: This study will explore the effects of delivering a seated exercise program online to improve balance and mobility after stroke. We will interview caregivers and participants on the suitability of the program. METHODS: Older adults who have lived with a stroke for more than 12 months and have a mobility impairment will be randomly assigned to the Virtual Physical Activity Seated Exercise (V-PASE) group or the memory training group. Each group will complete 3, 1-hour sessions a week for 12 weeks (total of 36 sessions). All sessions will be delivered by a trained therapist via videoconferencing software (zoom). Caregivers or family can assist during each session. We will assess differences in mobility, balance, quality of life, and blood pressure at baseline (week 0), after 36 sessions (week 12), and 12 weeks after the program (week 24). Interviews will be conducted with participants and caregivers to assess the acceptability and safety of the Seated Exercise Program. SIGNIFICANCE: Delivering a seated exercise program online can provide those with a stroke a safe home environment to focus on improving balance and mobility. Online interventions can potentially reach more stroke patients in rural locations, providing greater access to services during COVID-19 restrictions.