ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A425 EXPERIENCES AND PERCEPTIONS OF COMMUNITY, GROUP-BASED EXERCISE INTERVENTIONS FOR STROKE SURVIVORS: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract Background and aims Community-based, group exercise interventions are safe and effective for stroke survivors, and a substantial body of primary research has explored stroke stakeholders’ experiences of these interventions. However, this literature has not yet been synthesised, and the size of the body of evidence is unknown. This scoping review aimed to map and summarise studies that have investigated experiences and perceptions of stroke stakeholders involved with community-based, group exercise interventions. Methods Six databases and grey literature sources, were searched, followed by citation tracking. Studies exploring perceptions or experiences of community-based, group exercise programmes among stroke stakeholders were eligible for inclusion. Screening and data extraction was completed in duplicate. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify common categories in the included studies, which were then used for mapping. Results Sixty-six studies were included, of which seven were available as conference abstract only. Patients only were included in 35 studies, carers in one, staff in seven, and multiple stakeholder groups in 23. There was significant heterogeneity in the exercise programmes evaluated. Seven categories were identified: Benefits (49 studies), motivators and facilitators (37), barriers (41), positive aspects (52), areas for improvement (38), need for community exercise programmes (12), and evaluation and outcome data (4). Conclusions This scoping review highlights a substantial and diverse body of stakeholder-focused research that can inform the design, implementation, and optimisation of community-based exercise interventions for stroke survivors. Conflict of interest James Smith: nothing to declare. All secondary authors: nothing to declare.