Edinburgh Napier University

  Background
Peer support can facilitate exercise following stroke however limited evidence exists in relation to incorporating individual peer support interventions. A possible method of providing individual peer support in a community based exercise programme could involve the concept of ‘Physical Activity Champions’ (PAC). This could involve individuals who have completed an exercise programme providing one to one peer support to other, newly referred stroke survivors however exploration of this concept is needed.

Aim
The aim of this study was to explore the concept of PAC with stroke survivors and professionals involved in a community based exercise programme.

Methodology
This was a qualitative study based upon a grounded theory approach. A purposive sample of six stroke survivors and three exercise professionals participated in the study undertaking one to one semi-structured interviews and a focus group respectively. The data collected were transcribed and analysed through initial and focused coding allowing key messages to be identified.

Results
Three key messages and subsequent sub-messages were identified. These were: ‘Benefits of peer support’ with sub-messages of ‘fear of the unknown’ and ‘all in the same boat’; ‘Thoughts on the role’ with sub-messages of ‘a good idea but not for everyone’, ‘the right person’, ‘the job they could do’ and ‘say it as it is’; and ‘The sooner the better’. The PAC concept was found to benefit stroke survivors through psychological and peer support. Information on aspects of the PAC role and its clinical application were also highlighted.

Conclusion
The study offers suggestive evidence supporting the concept of individual peer support provided by a PAC in a community based exercise programme for stroke survivors.

Further clinical evaluation and research would however be required to investigate and evaluate the concept once implemented.