Study Aim:
To understand the health benefits of the classic TIME™ program as perceived by TIME™ participants and their families.
What We Did:
We interviewed 13 people (median age: 53 years, 75% women) who had completed the classic TIME™ program one or more times and 12 family members. Of the 13 TIME™ participants, nine had experienced a stroke and four were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
What We Found:
Participants described improvements in their balance, core and leg strength, walking, and confidence, and a decreased need for walking aids. These improvements made it easier to perform self-care activities (ie. dressing, bathing), household activities (ie. vacuuming), and social and leisure activities with less assistance from family members. Participants highlighted the valuable social support gained from exercising with a group of people. Family members expressed feeling "positive," "optimistic," "happy," or "more relaxed" as they saw their family members take part in the TIME™ program.
Key Messages:
The TIME™ program can benefit not only the participant but also the family. The group nature of the program enables social support.
Merali S, Cameron JI, Barclay R, Salbach NM. Experiences of people with stroke and multiple sclerosis and caregivers of a community exercise programme involving a healthcare-recreation partnership. Disability & Rehabilitation. 2020;42(9):1220-1226. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2018.1519042.