Physical Activity in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Context: An Accelerometry-Based Study

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability in adults and is associated with insufficient levels of physical activity (PA), both before and after the event. Objectives: To quantify the PA levels of post-stroke inpatients in a rehabilitation center and explore associations between PA and functional outcomes. Material and Methods: This descriptive-correlational pilot study included 17 stroke patients hospitalised in a rehabilitation centre, with preserved cognitive function. Participants wore Actigraph GT3X accelerometers for seven consecutive days to record PA. Functional assessment was conducted using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC), and handgrip dynamometry. Results: Participants spent most of the time sedentary (95%), with weekly averages of 836.67 minutes in light PA and 66.59 minutes in moderate PA—both below WHO recommendations. Positive correlations were observed between moderate PA and FIM (R=0.82; p≤0.01), BBS (R=0.75; p≤0.01), and FAC (R=0.78; p≤0.01). Conclusions: The findings revealed low PA levels among participants, particularly limited time spent in moderate-intensity activities, underscoring the need for future research into tailored strategies to reduce sedentary behaviour. Accelerometry proved to be an effective tool for monitoring activity patterns. These results highlight the importance of personalised and integrated strategies that promote PA in rehabilitation settings, supported by technologies that enable monitoring and adjustment of interventions according to patient needs.