The Feasibility of a Telehealth Exercise Program Aimed at Increasing Cardiorespiratory Fitness for People After Stroke

BACKGROUND: Accessing suitable fitness programs post-stroke is difficult for many. The feasibility of telehealth delivery has not been previously reported. OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of, and level of satisfaction with home-based telehealth-supervised aerobic exercise training post-stroke. METHODS: Twenty-one ambulant participants (≥ 3 months post-stroke) participated in a home-based telehealth-supervised aerobic exercise program (3 d/week, moderate-vigorous intensity, 8-weeks) and provided feedback via questionnaire post-intervention. Session details, technical issues, and adverse events were also recorded. RESULTS: Feasibility was high (83% of volunteers met telehealth eligibility criteria, 85% of sessions were conducted by telehealth, and 95% of participants rated usability favourably). Ninety-five percent enjoyed telehealth exercise sessions and would recommend them to others. The preferred telehealth exercise program parameters were: frequency 3 d/week, duration 20-30 min/session, program length 6-12 weeks. CONCLUSION: The telehealth delivery of exercise sessions to people after stroke appears feasible and may be considered as a viable alternative delivery means for providing supervised exercise post-stroke.