TY - JOUR

T1 - Exploring the factors influencing the use of electrically assisted bikes (e-bikes) by stroke survivors

T2 - a mixed methods multiple case study

AU - Boland, Paul

AU - Connell, Louise

AU - Thetford, Clare

AU - Janssen, Jessie

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

PY - 2022/4/30

Y1 - 2022/4/30

N2 - Purpose: E-bikes have the potential to overcome some of the barriers that stroke survivors face with regards to physical activity. This study aims to explore the factors that affect e-bike usage by stroke survivors. Methods: A mixed methods multiple case studies design, using semi-structured interviews and GPS data. Subject to GP approval, participants loaned an e-bike or e-trike for up to three months. Interviews were undertaken pre and post intervention. The COM-B behaviour change model acted as a framework for analysis. GPS data relating to journey duration and distance travelled was collected fortnightly. Results: Six participants were recruited; only three loaned an e-bike/e-trike (with adaptations as required). Storage, being unable to get GP approval, and safety were withdrawal reasons. Level of impairment was a factor influencing the type of e-bike used, level of support required and the motivation of the participants. Conclusion: Stroke survivors can use e-bikes although barriers exist. Electrical assistance was a positive factor in enabling some of the participants to cycle outdoors. Due to the small sample size and the number of participants who were able to loan an e-bike, further research is required to determine whether e-bikes are a feasible and effective intervention to increase physical activity for stroke survivors.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The assistance provided by the e-bike/e-trike could provide stroke survivors the opportunity to cycle outdoors. E-bikes/e-trikes could facilitate participation of activities of everyday living such as shopping, hobbies and increase levels of physical activity. Rehabilitation could focus on physical impairment, its effects on self-confidence, and knowledge surrounding the e-bike to overcome barriers to cycling. Social support, the belief that e-bike was an enjoyable mode of physical activity that was good for their health were reported by the participants as important factors for using the e-bike/e-trike.

AB - Purpose: E-bikes have the potential to overcome some of the barriers that stroke survivors face with regards to physical activity. This study aims to explore the factors that affect e-bike usage by stroke survivors. Methods: A mixed methods multiple case studies design, using semi-structured interviews and GPS data. Subject to GP approval, participants loaned an e-bike or e-trike for up to three months. Interviews were undertaken pre and post intervention. The COM-B behaviour change model acted as a framework for analysis. GPS data relating to journey duration and distance travelled was collected fortnightly. Results: Six participants were recruited; only three loaned an e-bike/e-trike (with adaptations as required). Storage, being unable to get GP approval, and safety were withdrawal reasons. Level of impairment was a factor influencing the type of e-bike used, level of support required and the motivation of the participants. Conclusion: Stroke survivors can use e-bikes although barriers exist. Electrical assistance was a positive factor in enabling some of the participants to cycle outdoors. Due to the small sample size and the number of participants who were able to loan an e-bike, further research is required to determine whether e-bikes are a feasible and effective intervention to increase physical activity for stroke survivors.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The assistance provided by the e-bike/e-trike could provide stroke survivors the opportunity to cycle outdoors. E-bikes/e-trikes could facilitate participation of activities of everyday living such as shopping, hobbies and increase levels of physical activity. Rehabilitation could focus on physical impairment, its effects on self-confidence, and knowledge surrounding the e-bike to overcome barriers to cycling. Social support, the belief that e-bike was an enjoyable mode of physical activity that was good for their health were reported by the participants as important factors for using the e-bike/e-trike.

KW - active transportation

KW - active travel

KW - barriers

KW - E-bikes

KW - electrically assisted bikes

KW - factors

KW - physical activity

KW - Stroke

U2 - 10.1080/09638288.2020.1817986

DO - 10.1080/09638288.2020.1817986

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 32945706

AN - SCOPUS:85091181351

VL - 44

SP - 1389

EP - 1398

JO - Disability and Rehabilitation

JF - Disability and Rehabilitation

SN - 0963-8288

IS - 8

ER -