Factors related to performance-based mobility and self-reported physical activity in individuals 1-3 years after stroke: a cross-sectional cohort study

J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2013 Nov;22(8):e426-34. doi: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2013.04.028. Epub 2013 May 28.

Abstract

Background: Low mobility and low level of physical activity is common after stroke. The objective of this study was to relate these outcomes to physical, psychological, and demographic determinants.

Methods: In this cross-sectional cohort study, a consecutive sample of 195 community-living individuals, 65-85 years of age (74±5 years, 71% men) with a previous stroke was included. Exclusion criteria were severe aphasia and severe cognitive dysfunction. Mobility status was measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB, 0-12 points), and physical activity was measured using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE).

Results: Mobility (SPPB, median 9 points) and level of physical activity were low (mean PASE 97±66 points), and walking speed was slow (1.10±.86 m/s), in relation to a healthy population-based sample. In multiple regression analyses, age (P=.001), physical activity (P<.001), fall-related self-efficacy (P=.001), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (P=.02) were associated with mobility (SPPB). Mobility (P<.001), HRQoL (P=.014), and fall-related self-efficacy (P=.031) were likewise associated with self-reported physical activity as the dependent variable. The regression models described 42% and 31% of the variance in mobility and physical activity, respectively.

Conclusions: Individuals perceived disabilities that are partly potentially modifiable 1-3 years after stroke. Future poststroke rehabilitation studies need to evaluate if actions to improve fall-related self-efficacy and mobility could promote the physical activity level in this patient population.

Keywords: Stroke; fall-related self-efficacy; health-related quality of life; mobility; multiple regression; physical activity; walking speed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression / psychology
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Exercise Test
  • Fear
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Mobility Limitation*
  • Motor Activity*
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Quality of Life
  • Recovery of Function
  • Registries
  • Risk Factors
  • Self Efficacy
  • Stroke / diagnosis
  • Stroke / physiopathology
  • Stroke / psychology
  • Stroke Rehabilitation*
  • Sweden
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Walking