Objective To analyze and explicate the conceptual connotations of exercise rehabilitation preferences in stroke patients.

Methods A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases including the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and CINAHL, with the search period extending from inception to October 2022. In accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria, eligible literatures were selected, and a comprehensive analysis was performed by Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis method.

Results A total of 34 literatures were included. Exercise rehabilitation preferences for stroke patients encompassed 5 concept attributes: preferences for exercise rehabilitation programs, risk tolerance in rehabilitation, time preferences for engaging in exercises, supervision and support, and confidence and challenges; the antecedents to these preferences included demographic factors, disease-related factors, emotional and psychological factors, external environmental factors, and fatigue; outcomes associated with these preferences included the realization of individualized exercise rehabilitation, improvement in adherence to rehabilitation regimens, increased levels of physical activity, and facilitation of motor function recovery.

Conclusion Through the conceptual analysis of exercise rehabilitation preferences in stroke patients, healthcare professionals can better understand its underlying dimensions, thereby enabling more in-depth research and exploration into exercise rehabilitation practices tailored for stroke patients.