Exploring the Role of Community Recreation in Stroke Recovery Using Participatory Action Research and Photovoice

Authors

  • Shannon Hebblethwaite Concordia University
  • Lynn Curley Grey-Bruce Health Services

Keywords:

Photovoice, participatory action research, stroke, community-based recreation

Abstract

Involvement in therapeutic recreation (TR) after experiencing a stroke is an important component of the rehabilitation process. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of community-based recreation in stroke recovery for 14 stroke survivors who had engaged in TR within a community-based stroke rehabilitation program in Canada. These individuals were co-researchers in a participatory action research project using a Photovoice methodology. Based on photographs and individual interviews that were analyzed using the constant comparative method, this study demonstrated that recreation facilitated experiences of hope, collective social support, and community engagement for these stroke survivors as they re-integrated into their communities.

Author Biographies

Shannon Hebblethwaite, Concordia University

Associate Professor

Department of Applied Human Sciences

Concordia University

Lynn Curley, Grey-Bruce Health Services

Recreation Therapist

Community Stroke Rehabilitation Team

Grey-Bruce Health Services

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Published

2015-01-30

Issue

Section

Research Papers