Factors associated with exercise preferences and perceived barriers in individuals with chronic stroke: a psychophysical perspective.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to comprehensively investigate psychophysical factors associated with exercise preferences and perceived exercise barriers in individuals with chronic stroke.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 110 participants with chronic stroke. Assessments included the Stroke Exercise Preference Inventory (SEPI), Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS), Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and PainDETECT Questionnaire (PD-Q).

RESULTS

SEPI-Exercise preferences showed a weak negative correlation with TSK and FES-I, a moderate negative correlation with HADS-Depression, and a weak positive correlation with FIM (p < .05). SEPI-Barriers and EBBS-Barriers showed strong-to-moderate positive correlations with TSK, FES-I, and HADS-Anxiety, and a moderate negative correlation with FIM (p < .001). In multiple linear regression analyses, HADS-Depression was independentlyassociated withlower SEPI-Exercise Preferences scores (β = -0.440, p < .001; Adjusted R2 = 0.116). In the SEPI-Exercise Barriers Model, TSK (β = 0.383), FES-I (β = 0.374), and HADS-Anxiety (β = 0.300) demonstrated significant positive associations, while HADS-Depression (β = -0.175) showed a small negative association (all p < .05; Adjusted R2 = 0.548). Finally, TSK was significantly and positively associated with EBBS-Barriers (β:0.326; Adjusted R2: 0.358).

CONCLUSION

Depression may influence exercise preferences, whereas kinesiophobia, fear of falling, and anxiety may contribute to perceived exercise barriers after stroke. Addressing these psychological factors alongside physical limitations may support long-term exercise adherence.