Affiliations: [a] Recovery and Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada | [b] Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Program, Eastern Health Authority, L.A. Miller Centre Eastern Health, St. John's, NL, Canada | [c] YMCA Northeast Avalon, St. John's, NL, Canada
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Dr. Michelle Ploughman, PT, PhD, Recovery and Performance Laboratory, 4th Floor L.A. Miller Centre, 100 Forest Rd., St. John's, NL A1A 1E5, Canada. Tel.: +1 709 777 2099; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Purpose:To determine the effectiveness of a community re-integration exercise initiative on function, mood, participation, and exercise adherence for persons with moderate to severe neurological conditions (stroke, multiple sclerosis, etc.). Methods:We recruited 29 adults (able to walk at least 3 m with assistance) discharged from an outpatient rehabilitation program for the 10 week intervention which was comprised of two components: circuit training and guided transition to a standard gym setting. We evaluated participants before and after the intervention and at four month follow up, including functional balance and mobility using the Timed Up and Go Test, walking endurance using the 6 Minute Walk Test, health related quality of life (HR QoL) using a visual analogue scale, activity and participation using the Frenchay Activities Index and mood using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results:Twenty-seven participants completed the intervention. The only significant improvement was in HR QoL. Forty-four percent of participants continued to exercise after cessation of the program. Those who continued to exercise (Exercisers n = 12) experienced more improvement in HR QoL than Non-Exercisers (n = 15). Conclusions:This re-integration initiative for people with neurological impairments improved HR QoL and facilitated independent exercise for 44% of participants. The novel component of the program, which facilitated transition to standard gym equipment, likely contributed to improved exercise adherence in the longer term.
Keywords: Community-based, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, neurological disorders, participation, quality of life
