Factors related to high-risk movement behaviour in people with stroke who are highly sedentary and inactive

Purpose: To identify Capabilities, Opportunities, and Motivational factors influencing movement behaviour throughout the day in people with stroke who are highly sedentary and inactive to enable intervention development. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semistructured interviews with people with stroke. The interview guide was based on the Capabilities, Opportunities, and Motivation Behavioural model. Results: Eleven interviews were conducted. Participants reported a lack of knowledge regarding healthy movement behaviour patterns, a lack of insight into their own movement behaviour, and some physical and cognitive limitations to engage in certain physical activities. Several social and environmental elements affecting movement behaviours were mentioned, their impact on movement behaviour varied among participants. Movement behaviour was mostly driven by habits and daily routine, without conscious regulation. Conclusion: Our findings show that people with stroke are unaware of their own movement behaviour or of the consequences of these behaviours on health. Movement behaviour is, for the most part, based on daily routine and personal habits. This indicates the need for a behaviour change intervention. Such interventions will need to include providing information about healthy movement behaviour, feedback on individual’s movement behaviour and individualized support, taking into account the social and environmental context and personal capabilities.