Level of physical activity is positively correlated with perceived impact on life 12 months after stroke: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the relationship between, and impact of, level of physical activity and perceived impact on life at 12 months post-stroke.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SUBJECTS

A total of 73 participants with first-time stroke included in the Stroke Arm Longitudinal study at the University of Gothenburg (SALGOT study), Sweden.

METHODS

Perceived impact of stroke was assessed with the Stroke Impact Scale and level of physical activity was assessed with the Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Scale at 12 months post-stroke. Data were presented with descriptive and logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

The physically active group perceived their strength, emotion, mobility, participation and overall stroke recovery as significantly less problematic compared with the inactive group. Being physically active contributed to higher scores in the Strength domain (odds ratio, OR 7.89) and in the Stroke Recovery domain (OR 18.55). In the Participation domain being physically active (OR 8.01) and independent (OR 0.162) contributed to higher scores.

CONCLUSION

A positive correlation was found between level of physical activity at 12 months post-stroke and levels of strength, participation and stroke recovery.