Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41593782›Full record

ArticleBMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation2026

Co-development and implementation of a group-based arm-crank exercise programme in the community for individuals with neurological impairments.

Shin-Yi Chiou, Millie Taylor, Ruo-Yan Wu, Joshua Kearney, Maria Del Rocio Hidalgo Mas, Prerna Mathur, Tom E Nightingale

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Shin-Yi ChiouSchool of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom. s.chiou@bham.ac.uk.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4200-5243
Millie TaylorSchool of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
Ruo-Yan WuSchool of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
Joshua KearneySchool of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5475-3727
Maria Del Rocio Hidalgo MasSchool of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8532-5178
Prerna MathurSchool of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
Tom E NightingaleSchool of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2947-4931

Funding

Academy of Medical Sciences SBF008\1116Medical Research Council MR/X502996/1
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundGroup-based exercise classes are popular ways to promote engagement in regular exercise. However, such opportunities are limited for individuals with neurological impairments, who often are more physically deconditioned, require disability-specific instructions and specialised, accessible equipment.

objectiveThis study aimed to co-develop a group-based, community-delivered arm-crank exercise (ACE) programme with individuals with neurological impairments and to evaluate the feasibility of implementing the programme in community settings.

methodsA pragmatic ACE programme was developed with five participants with a long-term neurological impairment, followed by a pilot, implementation of the programme in a university-based wellbeing centre (MoveWell) and in a local gym (Greenbank) across multiple iterations. The classes were held twice a week for 8–12 weeks, guided by music and real-time heart rate monitoring to maintain moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise. A mixed-methods evaluation assessed adherence, participant satisfaction, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and physical function. Focus groups were conducted to explore perceived benefits, challenges, and recommendations for future implementation.

resultsTen participants (mean ± SD age 45 ± 14 years; 2 females) with diverse neurological impairments (spinal cord injury, stroke, hereditary spastic paraplegia, cerebral palsy, and Chiari malformation) completed a minimum of one iteration of the programme. Adherence was high (MoveWell: 77 ± 17%; Greenbank: 54 ± 7%) and no serious adverse effects were reported. Participants reported increased of 10 points (SD = 12) in both physical and mental component summaries of HRQoL, with high self-perceived satisfaction and effectiveness with the programme. Qualitative data highlighted that self-perceived physical and mental benefits, social connection, and accessibility as key facilitators for engagement.

conclusionThe programme, co-developed with the participants, was feasible, acceptable, and safely delivered in real-world community settings. Findings support the potential for inclusive, group-based ACE to promote health and wellbeing in people with neurological conditions and inform future community-based exercise initiatives.

Indexed as

DisabilityFunctionGroup-based deliveryHealthInclusive exerciseRehabilitationUpper-body exercise

Identifiers

PMID41593782
PMCPMC12917964

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.