Development of a digital learning program for physiotherapists to enhance clinical implementation of aerobic exercise in stroke rehabilitation.
Marianne Thornton, Jennifer Harris, Krista Breithaupt and 3 others
PMID 34134785WHAT IT FOUND
Five physiotherapists rated a new online course on aerobic exercise for stroke rehabilitation as relevant and easy to navigate.
They suggested practical improvements like adding a progress bar and certificates. This feedback shaped a revised program now undergoing larger evaluation.
Key findings
01Participants found the course content relevant to practice and the delivery easy to navigate, with no insurmountable technical issues.
02Feedback led to specific revisions including adding a progress bar, reducing introductory length, and providing completion certificates.
03The pilot was limited to five female physiotherapists, introducing potential response bias and limiting generalizability.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The sample size was very small, with only five participants. All participants were female, which may not represent the broader physiotherapy workforce. The study was a pilot evaluation of the development process, not a trial of the program's impact on clinical practice or patient outcomes. Response bias is possible as participants were recruited through professional networks and may have been more motivated or experienced. The program has not yet been tested for its ability to actually increase aerobic exercise prescription in real-world settings.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume this online program improves patient care or physiotherapist skills based on this paper. The study only evaluated the usability and content of the course with five therapists; it did not measure whether using the course actually changed how therapists prescribe exercise or improved patient health outcomes.