Fit For Function: A Community Wellness Program for Persons With Stroke

Fit For Function: A Community Wellness Program for Persons With Stroke

Building on an earlier pilot study, this randomized controlled trial will compare the effectiveness of a 12 week community YMCA-based wellness program specifically designed for people with stroke (Fit for Function) to a standard YMCA membership.

The program will be delivered through a partnership between McMaster University, the YMCA and Hamilton Health Sciences/ the Brant Community Healthcare System/ the Niagara Health System. Participants will exercise three times a week and receive weekly education about how to take care of themselves after a stroke. The YMCA staff who deliver the program will have specialized training about how to help people with a stroke exercise safely and effectively. The hospital within each region will provide specialized on-site physiotherapy consultative support. The comparator standard YMCA membership will include typical sessions with a wellness coach who has basic safety training regarding stroke and exercise.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosed with stroke
• 18 years of age or older
• community dwelling
• able to walk 10m independently, with or without an assistive device
• medically approved by a physician to participate
• able to tolerate 60 minutes of activity with rest intervals
• able to independently follow instructions

Exclusion Criteria:

• involved in an active rehabilitation program