Journal article
Strength training to improve walking after stroke: how physiotherapist, patient and workplace factors influence exercise prescription
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, Vol.38(9), pp.1195-1206
2022
PMID: 33210574
Abstract
Background:Muscle weakness is well established as the primary impairment that affects walking after stroke and strength training is an effective intervention to improve this muscle weakness. Observation of clinical practice however has highlighted an evidence-practice gap in the implementation of evidence-based strength training guidelines. Objective: To explore perceived barriers and facilitators that influence Australian physiotherapy practices when prescribing strength training with stroke survivors undergoing gait rehabilitation. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of physiotherapists currently providing rehabilitation services to patients following stroke in Australia. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and line-by-line thematic analysis was undertaken to create themes and sub-themes. Results: Participants were 16 physiotherapists (12 females) with 3 months - 42 years experience working with people after stroke. Major themes identified were1) patient factors influence the approach to strength training; 2) interpretation and implementation of strength training principles is diverse; and 3) workplace context affects the treatment delivered. Physiotherapists displayed wide variation in their knowledge, interpretation and implementation of strength training principles and strength training exercise prescription was seldom evidence or guideline based. Workplace factors included the clinical preference of colleagues, and the need to modify practice to align with workforce resources. Conclusions: Implementation of strength training to improve walking after stroke was diverse. Therapist-related barriers to the implementation of effective strength training programs highlight the need for improved knowledge, training and research engagement. Limited resourcing demonstrates the need for organizational prioritization of stroke education and skill development. Narrowing the evidence-practice gap remains a challenge.
Details
- Title
- Strength training to improve walking after stroke: how physiotherapist, patient and workplace factors influence exercise prescription
- Authors
- Genevieve Tole (Corresponding Author) - La Trobe UniversityMelissa J Raymond (Author) - Alfred HealthGavin Williams (Author) - Epworth HospitalRoss A Clark (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Sport Sciences - LegacyAnne E Holland (Author) - Alfred Health
- Publication details
- Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, Vol.38(9), pp.1195-1206
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis Inc.
- Date published
- 2022
- DOI
- 10.1080/09593985.2020.1839986
- ISSN
- 1532-5040
- PMID
- 33210574
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Public Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99489707602621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
60 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Rehabilitation
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: SDGs from InCites