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.