Author Identifier (ORCID)
Erin Godecke: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7210-1295
Abstract
Introduction/ aims: Incorporating the perspectives of knowledge-users such as stroke survivors into intervention development processes can enhance their relevance and feasibility. The aims of this study were: i) to use co-design to determine “active ingredients” and develop a personalised physical activity intervention for stroke survivors, and ii) to evaluate the co-design process. Methods: A four-stage integrated knowledge translation approach (involving planning and workshops) was applied to co-design a post-stroke physical activity intervention. Knowledge-user participants (stroke survivors (n = 10), carers (n = 3) and clinicians (n = 12)) were recruited. Knowledge-user participants (n = 25) and the research team (n = 13) were invited to participate in a survey evaluation of the co-design process. Quantitative survey responses were analysed descriptively. Open-ended responses were grouped and summarised as key findings. Results: Knowledge-users highlighted that flexibility in intervention delivery, consideration of personal preferences, aphasia-friendly resources and ongoing support were important intervention active ingredients. The developed physical activity intervention included a shared decision-making process, programme set-up, ongoing support and resources. High levels of trust, transparency and shared learning in the co-design process were reported by 81% of knowledge-users on project completion. Survey key findings included: 1) Co-design and the lived experience are highly valued by all involved. 2) Output that improves stroke care is important. 3) The co-design workshops provided a respectful atmosphere with opportunity for open discussion. 4) Participation in co-design can be personally beneficial. Conclusions: Using co-design, active ingredients were identified, and a comprehensive post-stroke physical activity intervention was developed. The co-design process was highly regarded by all and added valuable insights. Contribution of the Paper: • Co-design is an important component of intervention development in stroke rehabilitation. • Stroke survivors and clinicians highlight that flexibility, personalisation, having options, and ongoing support were important active ingredients of this post-stroke physical activity programme. • Co-design processes that demonstrate trust, respect, transparency and shared-learning are highly valued and beneficial to knowledge-users and researchers.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
12-1-2025
Volume
129
Publication Title
Physiotherapy United Kingdom
Publisher
Elsevier
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
Funders
University of Melbourne (503245) / National Stroke Foundation of Australia (EMCRSEED2202) / National Health and Medical Research Council
Grant Number
NHMRC Number : 2026151
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Fini, N. A., Ramage, E., Bernhardt, J., Bicknell, E., Tzefronis, C., Fink, P., Godecke, E., Francis, J., Wood, R., Li, N., Lin, B., English, C., & Said, C. M. (2025). Co-design of a personalised physical activity intervention for stroke survivors. Physiotherapy, 129, 101817. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2025.101817