Experiences of participation in cardiorespiratory training among people with post-stroke fatigue: a qualitative study.

Abstract

Objective: To explore the experiences of 8-week thrice-weekly supervised intense cardiorespiratory interval training at home in people with post-stroke fatigue.

Design: Qualitative, using semi-structured individual interviews.

Methods: Eleven people with post-stroke fatigue were recruited from a study investigating the effects of supervised intense cardiorespiratory interval training. The interviews were conducted 1-2 weeks after the intervention period and analysed inductively with qualitative content analysis.

Results: The theme "Supervised cardiorespiratory interval training at home was perceived as feasible and safe, reducing fatigue and contributing to enhanced self-efficacy in both exercise and everyday life" was based on 4 main categories: "Experiences of performing the intervention and testing, "Perceived impact of the intervention on fatigue", "Perceived impact of the intervention on self-efficacy", and "The reinforcing experiences of exercise transfer to everyday life". The informants reported that participating in the intervention made them feel physically and mentally stronger and no longer restricted by a lack of confidence in performing activities that increased their heart rate.

Conclusions: Participating in supervised intense cardiorespiratory interval training provided a model on how to train, which was transferable to other contexts in everyday life. The training improved exercise self-efficacy and gave the informants the confidence to challenge themselves in everyday life.