# Exercise preference in stroke survivors: a concept analysis

## TL;DR

This paper defines what stroke survivors prefer in exercise, which helps improve their long-term recovery and adherence to rehabilitation.

## Contribution

The paper provides a clear conceptual framework for understanding exercise preference in stroke survivors.

## Key findings

- Exercise preference is defined by four attributes: choice priority, behavioral tendency, affective priming, and adherence patience.
- Antecedents of exercise preference include patient, therapy, and environmental factors.
- Clarifying this concept can improve rehabilitation adherence and inform intervention design.

## Abstract

Exercise preference in stroke survivors is related to their adherence to long-term rehabilitation regimen and functional recovery. Although explored recently, the term exercise preference still lacks a clear definition.

The aim of this study is to conceptualize exercise preference in stroke survivors.

The Walker and Avant method was applied as a framework for the conceptual analysis of exercise preference. Data from 34 publications were collected using seven databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and CBM) and applied in the analysis. The search period was from the inception of the database to April 30, 2023.

Exercise preference in stroke survivors was defined according to four attributes: priority of choice, behavioral tendency, affective priming, and patience in adherence. The common antecedents of the concept of exercise preference in stroke survivors were classified into patient-related, therapy-related, and environmental-related categories and the consequences were classified into three categories: patient-related, rehabilitation provider–related, and rehabilitation service system–related.

Exercise preference in stroke survivors refers to the patient’s choice, tendency, affective response, and attitude toward engagement in the recommended rehabilitation regimen. It is beneficial for understanding the essential attributes of exercise preference in stroke survivors by clarifying the concept. In addition, it will facilitate the development of instruments for assessing exercise preference in stroke survivors and the construction of theory-based intervention programs that can improve adherence to exercise rehabilitation.