Longitudinal changes in physical activity accumulation patterns during 1-year follow-up in stroke survivors

Abstract

Purpose

Few studies have reported changes in the accumulation patterns of physical activity over a year after stroke. This study characterized the longitudinal changes in physical activity levels and their accumulation patterns for a 1-year follow-up period in stroke survivors.

Materials and methods

In this single-center, prospective, longitudinal observational study, 47 stroke survivors were assessed at rehabilitation discharge and at 6 and 12 months post-discharge. Physical activity was evaluated, and measures included the number of steps, walking duration, total number of bouts per day, and intensity (light, moderate-to-vigorous) and spread (short, medium, and long bouts).

Results

There were no significant main or interaction effects of time on any physical activity variables. Light physical activity accounted for 90% of all walking bouts and 70% of walking duration. Regarding moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), 85% of walking bouts and 35% of walking duration were accumulated in short and medium bouts. The number of long-bout MVPA was three per day.

Conclusions

Physical activity levels and accumulation patterns were highly stable throughout the 12-month follow-up period. Accumulating light physical activity and intermittent MVPA is important for maintaining physical activity levels in stroke survivors. These findings will promote a better understanding of disability and rehabilitation practice.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Physical activity levels and accumulation patterns were highly stable throughout the 12-month follow-up period.

• The accumulation of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in long bouts might be challenging for stroke survivors.

• Accumulating light physical activity and intermittent moderate-to-vigorous physical activity may be acceptable for stroke survivors.

Keywords:

• Stroke
• physical activity
• accumulation pattern
• longitudinal study
• vascular event

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the staff of the Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences Hospital for their cooperation in this study. We also thank the editors of Editage for English language editing.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.