We Walk: Developing a family centred walking intervention for stroke
Research type
Research Study
Full title
We Walk: Development of a family-centred and peer-support behavioural intervention to promote regular outdoor walking after stroke
IRAS ID
241783
Contact name
Jacqui Morris
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 3 months, 30 days
Research summary
Stroke causes weakness, difficulty walking and disability. Many survivors have low levels of physical activity (PA) and fitness, raising risk of further stroke, cardiovascular disease, falls and poor mobility. Regular PA, including walking, reduces these risks. However even after attending PA programmes, survivors resume inactive lifestyles. Our earlier research examining barriers and facilitators to PA after stroke showed that survivors’ preferred PA is walking, and family, friends or peers, and professionals, can provide supportive behavioural strategies for PA. This study extends our existing research to develop a family-centred and peer-support behavioural intervention to promote regular walking as part of survivors’ daily lives.
In phase 1 we will systematically map behavioural barriers identified in a previous study to a theoretically derived behavioural intervention development framework. This will enable us to identify intervention components for the new intervention. We will then consult participants - stroke survivors, their families, friends or peers, and appropriate health, social care and exercise professionals, to define the intervention, and to determine appropriate delivery and training formats.
In Phase 2, for which we will seek ethical approval at a later date, participatory Action Research will enable participants to try the intervention, and to provide us with their ideas about adapting the intervention to match their needs. It will also inform us about how the intervention should be adapted for implementation in diverse contexts. We will apply for subsequent funding to test feasibility and effectiveness of this co-created intervention.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
18/ES/0055
Date of REC Opinion
27 Jun 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion