Power Assisted Circuit Exercise 4 Stroke
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Power Assisted Circuit Exercise for Stroke: a Refinement Study
IRAS ID
368373
Contact name
Rachel Young
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Hallam University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 2 days
Research summary
Aims
This project aims to evaluate a programme of power assisted circuit exercise for people living with stroke.Background
We know that exercise improves fitness and independence amongst people living with stroke. However, it can be hard to take part in exercise following stroke due to changes in movement. People living with stroke may feel intimidated in regular gyms where the equipment can be difficult to use. A growing number of leisure centres in the UK offer a circuit of seated exercise equipment which is motorised and gives users a ‘helping hand’ to perform repeated movements. This type of exercise is called ‘power assisted exercise’ and is popular amongst people living with health conditions including stroke. However, people living with stroke are not routinely supported to take part in power assisted exercise.Design and methods
We will invite 30 people who live with limited mobility following stroke to take part in a co-designed programme of power assisted circuit exercise at a purpose-built research centre in Sheffield. The programme will last for eight weeks and two sessions per week will be scheduled. We will measure their aerobic fitness, mobility and reported quality of life at the start and end of the exercise programme. We will explore the experience of taking part in the programme with the participants through interview and focus groups.Patient and Public Involvement
A group of five people with lived experience of stroke have helped to develop the project plan and will continue to be involved in data analysis and key decisions throughout the study. Whilst planning this project, we have also collaborated with a local Somalian community group called ISRAAC. ISRAAC members were involved in the co-design of the exercise programme and will be involved in the delivery of the main study.REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
26/WS/0049
Date of REC Opinion
29 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion