Oral Presentation Australian and New Zealand Stroke Organisation Conference 2026

Supportive Strides: Co-designing a Community-Based Walking Program with Embedded Socialisation and Support for People after Stroke (138967)

Natalie A Fini 1 , Priyanka Cahill 1 , Brian A Beh 1 , Louise Suttie 1 , David Gallant 2 , Andrew Martel 3 , Iderlina Mateo-Babiano 4 , Claudia H Marck 5 , Kate S Hayward 1 6 , Emily Ramage 7
  1. Physiotherapy Department, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
  2. Social Work, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
  3. Architecture, Building & Planning, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
  4. Architecture, Building & Planning, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
  5. Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
  6. Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
  7. Stroke and Critical Care, Florey Institute of Neurosciences & Mental Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia

Background/Aims

Social networks and physical activity are important for stroke survivor identity and secondary prevention but are not well supported. To address this unmet need, we aimed to co-design a community-based walking program that incorporates social connection.

Methods

A four-stage integrated knowledge translation approach was used to co-design a community-based walking program for stroke survivors. Stage 1: research team (2 stroke survivors, 8 professionals) defined research questions, scope and plan. Stage 2: recruited stroke survivor, carer and professional participants participated in workshops to identify important program elements. Stage 3: research team used a nominal group technique to make key decisions and develop the program. Stage 4: the program was presented to participants; feedback gathered and adaptations made.

Results

Twenty-six participants were recruited across stages 2 and 4 (12 stroke survivors, 2 carers, 12 professionals including allied health professionals, urban designers and representatives from non-profit community organisations). Key program elements identified in Stage 2 were: social connection, inclusive environments, supports to promote motivation and belonging, and logistical support for sustainability. The Supportive Strides program was developed to incorporate these elements. Program specifics included accessible outdoor walking routes with walkability scores, pre-walk coffee catch-ups, buddy program, website, group communication method, milestone celebrations, and a safety checklist. Following participant feedback, adaptations were incorporated e.g., strategies to build stroke survivors’ confidence, simpler and more accessible screening process, and clearer advertising materials.

Conclusion

The Supportive Strides community-based walking program was co-designed to aid peer connection, fitness and confidence after stroke and is ready for testing.