Low levels of physical activity and high amount of sedentary behavior in the acute phase after stroke

BACKGROUND: Early rehabilitation and physical activity (PA) are crucial for patients with stroke to recover functional abilities and reduce cardiovascular risks. However, PA may be challenging post-stroke.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed PA levels during the acute post-stroke phase in patients referred to rehabilitation and examined the impact of demographic and clinical variables on PA.

METHODS: Participants were enrolled during acute hospital stays. PA was measured during admission and 7-days post‑discharge using SENS motion® sensor, categorized into steps, moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA), total PA, and sedentary time.

RESULTS: The participants (n = 95) were (mean ± SD) 71 ± 10 years; the median Scandinavian Stroke Scale score was 54 (IQR 46-58). From hospitalization to post‑discharge steps/day increased from 2844 [95% CI 2091; 3597] to 4970 [3790; 6150], p <0.001, MVPA from 1.7 [0.2; 3.2] to 3.8 [1.4; 6.2] minutes per day, p = 0.023, and sedentary time decreased from 22.7 [22.2; 23.1] to 21.1 [20.4; 21.8] hours per day, p <0.001.PA remained stable during hospitalization and after discharge, respectively, whereas sedentary time decreased post‑discharge from day 1-2 (21.6 [21.1; 22.8] to 21.0 [20.5; 21.5] hours/day), p <0.001, day 3-4 (20.8 [20.5; 21.3] to 20.7 [20.2; 21.3] hours/day), p = 0.043. Stroke severity was inversely associated with steps/day.

CONCLUSIONS: Even though PA levels were elevated following discharge, the levels remained low during both periods. Whilst sedentary behavior declined slightly after discharge, it remained on a high amount. Steps per day were associated with less stroke severity.