Preference of exercises of individuals affected by stroke users of primary health care

ABSTRACT Individuals affected by stroke tend to maintain a sedentary lifestyle with insufficient level of physical activity, generating functional limitations, restricted participation, and difficulty in engaging in exercise programs. Understanding the exercise preference of this population is important to understand contextual factors and the adequacy of programs aimed at promoting health and functionality. This is a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample, whose objectives were: to identify the exercise preference of individuals in the chronic phase of stroke users of the Brazilian Unified Health System in Belo Horizonte/MG/Brazil and to investigate the association with degree of motor impairment, gait speed, level of physical activity, and quality of life. Exercise preference was assessed using the e Exercise Preference Questionnaire(stroke)-Brazil. In total, 24 individuals (59±15 years old) who reported a preference for exercises performed in controlled environments and offered in groups were evaluated. Favorite exercises were walking and muscle strength training. There was no correlation between exercise preference and the investigated variables. Identifying the exercise preference of this population can contribute to better health care provided by public services, in addition to increasing these individuals’ adherence to health and functionality promotion programs.