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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
218
A 12-week YMCA-based wellness program for persons with stroke, consisting of 2 group exercise sessions, one gym exercise session and one education session per week with trained instructors
A 12 week standard YMCA membership.
The Brantford Family YMCA
Brantford, Ontario, Canada
Downtown Hamilton YMCA
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
The Walker Family YMCA
St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Change in the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNL) from baseline
This measure assesses the degree to which individuals who have experienced traumatic or incapacitating illness achieve reintegration into normal social activities.
Time frame: baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Change in The Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) score from baseline
This is a 9-item measure that assesses frequency and intensity of aerobic physical activity and frequency of strengthening and flexibility exercises.
Time frame: baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Change in The Short Portable Performance Tests (SPPT) score from baseline
This test is used to quantify lower extremity function by evaluating the time to walk 8 feet, standing balance and repeated chair stands.
Time frame: baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Change in The Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) from baseline
This test is an indicator of exercise capacity and measures the distance walked in 6 minutes.
Time frame: baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Change in Strength: Grip and Knee extension from baseline
Hand-held dynamometry will measure the average strength of three trials.
Time frame: baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Change in The EQ-5D score from baseline
This is a generic utility-based health related quality of life questionnaire.
Time frame: baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Change in The Patient Activation Measure (PAM) score from baseline
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This is a 13-item measure of the patient's level of knowledge, skill and confidence for self-management.
Time frame: baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Change in The Body Mass Index (BMI) score from baseline
The BMI will be calculated from measurements of body mass and height as an indicator of cardiovascular health.
Time frame: baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Change in Blood lipid levels from baseline
12 hour fasting levels of lipids will be used as an indicator of cardiovascular health.
Time frame: baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Change in blood glucose levels from baseline
12 hour fasting levels of glucose in blood will be used as an indicator of cardiovascular health.
Time frame: baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Change in blood inflammatory markers from baseline
12 hour fasting levels of inflammatory markers in blood will be used as an indicator of cardiovascular health.
Time frame: baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Healthcare Utilization Questionnaire
An indicator of healthcare resource utilization (hospitalizations, medical appointments and investigations, medication use) for economic analysis.
Time frame: 0- 24 weeks