Users' experience of community-based power assisted exercise: a transition from NHS to third sector services.

PURPOSE

Seated Power Assisted Exercise (PAE) equipment is an accessible exercise mode for people with limited mobility following stroke and is available at a small number of community-based venues. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the lived experience of using PAE amongst PwS in a community venue and identify recommendations for the development and advancement of PAE equipment.

METHOD

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 participants (PwS) attending a community stroke venue where PAE equipment was available. Transcribed data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

RESULTS

Three overarching themes emerged from the analysis; 1) ; 2) ; 3) . Participants associated the uptake of PAE alongside venue membership as a turning point in their adjustment to life following stroke. In addition, recommendations for future development of the equipment were identified.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that membership of a stroke venue alongside engagement with PAE facilitated transition from early stroke rehabilitation into longer term recovery. The results of this study have informed the need for future product design and highlighted PAE is an effective mode for continued rehabilitation in third-sector services.