Return to physical activity six months after fracture – a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Aim

Physical activity is important for health but injuries might affect the level of activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate change in physical activity after fracture and to determine predictors for return to a previously high/moderate level of physical activity at 6 months following injury.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted that included 201 people aged 18–64 years who suffered fractures. Participants reported their level of physical activity prior to the injury and perceived change after six months (n = 164). Subgroup analysis of 95 preinjury physical active participants was performed with logistic regression analysis and odds ratio (OR).

Results

Totally, 27.4% (n = 45) returned to their previous level of physical activity and for the 95 pre-injury physically active participants it was 27.3% (n = 26). Low income OR 3.15 (95% CI 1.78–28.05), not receiving rehabilitation OR 0.09 (95% CI 0.02–0.37), and sustaining upper limb fractures compared to lower limb fractures OR 0.09 (95% CI 0.02–0.51) were positively associated with return to preinjury physical activity levels at 6 months after controlling for significant factors.

Conclusion

Fracture affects physical activity at six months even for pre-injury active individuals. Therapists should pay attention to guiding patients to perform physical activities despite their injury.

Keywords:

• Bone fracture
• physical activity
• sedentary behavior
• working age
• cohort study

Acknowledgments

We thank the participating patients for their valuable contribution to this study.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by University College Absalon; The Danish Rheumatism Association; and Aase & Ejnar Danielsen’s Foundation.