Exercise Intention and its Associated Factors Among Persons Post-Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the level of exercise intention and its associated factors among persons post-stroke using the Theory of Planned Behavior.

Patients and methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 333 participants admitted to the neurology units of a tertiary care hospital in China with a confirmed diagnosis of stroke were recruited. A self-administered instrument based on the Theory of Planned Behavior was used to determine the exercise intention and its associated factors among persons post-stroke.

Results: The results revealed that only 128 participants had exercise intention after discharge with a prevalence of 38.4%. Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that monthly income, living situation, subjective norms, attitude, and perceived behavioral control were significant predictors of exercise intention of persons post-stroke. Perceived behavioral control and living situation were the most relevant factors of exercise intention.

Conclusion: The level of exercise intention among persons post-stroke was found to be low. Perceived behavioral control and living situation were particularly important and contributed to exercise intention. Healthcare professionals' adequate guidance on exercise should be provided, with a focus on educating both patients and their family members, especially spouses, to promote exercise intention in persons post-stroke.

Keywords: Theory of Planned Behavior; exercise adherence; exercise intention; stroke.