{
    "abstract": "Water-based therapeutic exercise (WBTE) is an effective approach for stroke survivors to regain strength, mobility, and quality of life. However, existing trials have not included stroke survivors' perspectives in intervention development, which are critical to ensure a WBTE program meets the needs of stroke survivors and provides supports to enable engagement in ongoing exercise.\nQualitative semi-structured interviews were completed with stroke survivors and caregivers with the aim to have them (1) provide feedback on elements of the intervention resulting from a preceding scoping review and (2) identify barriers, facilitators and other considerations that may impact implementation. Literature on the development of complex health interventions and implementation science informed interview topics. Interviews were analyzed using generic coding and thematic analysis for open-ended and closed-ended questions, respectively.\nStroke survivor and caregivers largely confirmed findings from the scoping review regarding intervention characteristics. Four main considerations for implementation were identified in interview analysis: (1) safety, (2) knowledge and beliefs, (3) environment, and (4) individual characteristics.\nIt is essential to consider stroke survivor and caregiver perspectives when developing interventions to promote ongoing exercise following formal rehabilitation. The unique needs of each stroke survivor should be evaluated to optimize participation in WBTE.\nA water-based therapeutic exercise program with sessions 2\u00d7/week for 60\u2009min for at least 6\u20138 weeks was desired and endorsed as feasible for stroke survivors to participate.Stroke survivors and caregivers expressed safety concerns when considering participating in general and water-based exercise, despite having awareness of the benefits.Rehabilitation and recreation professionals should work collaboratively to provide adequate supports and education surrounding the importance of ongoing exercise in this population.Water-based therapeutic exercise programs should consider the unique barriers and facilitators of individual stroke survivors and be flexible to enhance access and participation.",
    "authors": [
        {
            "affiliation": "School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.",
            "firstname": "O J",
            "initials": "OJ",
            "lastname": "Manning"
        },
        {
            "affiliation": "School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.",
            "firstname": "J R",
            "initials": "JR",
            "lastname": "Tomasone"
        },
        {
            "affiliation": "School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.",
            "firstname": "M",
            "initials": "M",
            "lastname": "Finlayson"
        },
        {
            "affiliation": "School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.\nProvidence Care Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.",
            "firstname": "B R",
            "initials": "BR",
            "lastname": "Ritsma"
        },
        {
            "affiliation": "School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.",
            "firstname": "V",
            "initials": "V",
            "lastname": "DePaul"
        }
    ],
    "conclusions": "It is essential to consider stroke survivor and caregiver perspectives when developing interventions to promote ongoing exercise following formal rehabilitation. The unique needs of each stroke survivor should be evaluated to optimize participation in WBTE.",
    "copyrights": null,
    "doi": "10.1080/09638288.2025.2494226",
    "journal": "Disability and rehabilitation",
    "keywords": [
        "Stroke",
        "aquatic exercise",
        "qualitative",
        "stroke survivors",
        "water-based"
    ],
    "methods": null,
    "publication_date": "2025-04-21",
    "pubmed_id": "40257355",
    "results": "Stroke survivor and caregivers largely confirmed findings from the scoping review regarding intervention characteristics. Four main considerations for implementation were identified in interview analysis: (1) safety, (2) knowledge and beliefs, (3) environment, and (4) individual characteristics.",
    "title": "Stroke survivor and caregiver perspectives in the development of a community water-based therapeutic exercise program.",
    "xml": "<Element 'PubmedArticle' at 0x788503910c70>"
}