Participation, Fear of Falling, and Upper Limb Impairment are Associated with High Sitting Time in People with Stroke

Abstract

The purpose of this cross-sectional, exploratory study was to explore associations between sitting time and (1) participation, (2) fear of falling, and (3) upper limb impairment after stroke. High sitting time was associated with less participation in meaningful activities involving standing or walking (ρ = −0.519, p = 0.023). A greater fear of falling (ρ = 0.579, p = 0.012) and having an impaired upper limb (mean difference 18.7%, 95% CI: 5.3–32.1, p = 0.012) were associated with greater sitting time. Providing support for stroke survivors to participate in meaningful activities while reducing sitting time is an important consideration when planning occupational therapy interventions, particularly for individuals with an arm impairment and/or those with a fear of falling.

Keywords:

• Fear of falling
• participation
• sitting
• stroke
• upper limb

Acknowledgments

All people with stroke who volunteered their time to participate in this study. Prof. Neil Spratt, Prof. Julie Bernhardt, Prof. David Dunstan, and Dr. Amanda Patterson for their contribution to the primary BUST-Stroke trial. Clinical trial registration number: ANZTR 12615001189516.

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Additional information

Funding

The primary study (BUST-Stroke) was supported by a Stroke Foundation of Australia Seeding Grant (2015) and John Hunter Hospital Charitable Trust Grant (2016). Associate Professor English was supported by National Heart Foundation Future Leaders Fellowship [#101177].

Notes on contributors

Ella Hanna

Ella Hanna completed this work as part of her honours degree in Physiotherapy and is now working as a clinical physiotherapist.

Heidi Janssen

Heidi Janssen is a clinician (physiotherapist) and stroke clinical trialist.

Gary Crowfoot

Gary Crowfoot is a registered nurse and researcher.

Gillian Mason

Gillian Mason is a physiotherapist and research manager.

Glade Vyslysel

Glade Vyslysel and Anne Sweetapple are an experienced clinical occupational therapists and managers.

Anne Sweetapple

Glade Vyslysel and Anne Sweetapple are an experienced clinical occupational therapists and managers.

Robin Callister

Robin Callister is an experienced clinical trialist in exercise science.

Coralie English

Coralie English is a physiotherapist and experienced stroke clinical trialist.