Barriers to Exercise in Individuals with Stroke and MS: Insights from Focus Groups
Twelve participants identified barriers to regular exercise in focus groups, highlighting logistical, behavioral, and practical issues. Safety concerns and accessibility were significant obstacles, while social support and a sense of community promoted accountability and engagement. Participants showed strong motivation to improve their health and wellbeing.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not established from this source
- Mechanism
- Not reported
- Evidence strength
- Limited
- Outcome
- Not reported
Why it matters
Understanding these barriers can help in designing better community programs that support exercise for people with disabilities, like those from stroke or multiple sclerosis.
What this does not prove
The study includes qualitative data from a small number of participants, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Observational
- Participants / samples
- 12 · number of participants in focus groups
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- All
- Publication date
- 2026-10-21
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
- Biological target
- Not reported
- Pathway
- Not reported
- Population
- Not reported
- Size of effect
- Not reported
- Secondary endpoints
- Not reported
- MRI endpoints
- Not reported
- Biomarkers
- Not reported
- Safety
- Not reported
Original sources
Supporting passages (11)
study phaseThe aim of this study was to identify perceived logistical, behavioral, and practical barriers to regular exercise participation in individuals with disability due to stroke and multiple sclerosis, as well as potential solutions.
study designFocus group interviews were conducted as part of a mixed-methods prospective observational study evaluating a multi-site, pro bono, community-based exercise and lifestyle modification program.
subjectsTwelve participants engaged in one of three focus groups, and data analysis was conducted using a modified grounded theory approach.
sample sizeTwelve participants engaged in one of three focus groups, and data analysis was conducted using a modified grounded theory approach.
sample size basisTwelve participants engaged in one of three focus groups, and data analysis was conducted using a modified grounded theory approach.
relevant ms typesThe aim of this study was to identify perceived logistical, behavioral, and practical barriers to regular exercise participation in individuals with disability due to stroke and multiple sclerosis, as well as potential solutions.
interventioncommunity-based exercise and lifestyle modification program
findingsThe aim of this study was to identify perceived logistical, behavioral, and practical barriers to regular exercise participation in individuals with disability due to stroke and multiple sclerosis, as well as potential solutions.
publication datePublication date: 2026-10-21
limitationsTitle: A Qualitative Analysis of Focus Groups on a Community-Based Pro Bono Exercise and Lifestyle Modification Education Program for Individuals With Disability due to Multiple Sclerosis and Stroke.
peer reviewedPublication types: Journal Article
AI assessment, not yet reviewed by a person · version 1 · Community votes are separate from evidence review.