# Self‐reported physical activity more than 1 year after stroke and its determinants in relation to the WHO recommendations

## TL;DR

This study finds that most stroke survivors do not meet recommended physical activity levels, with older age and need for home help being key factors.

## Contribution

The study identifies sociodemographic and stroke-related factors associated with low physical activity in stroke survivors relative to WHO guidelines.

## Key findings

- 66.3% of stroke survivors did not meet WHO physical activity recommendations.
- Need for home help was the only significant predictor of physical activity levels.
- Those below WHO recommendations were older, more likely to live alone, and use mobility devices.

## Abstract

Physical activity (PA) after stroke has significant health benefits if it is conducted regularly, with sufficient intensity and duration. Because of the health benefits, it is important to identify those below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended level of PA. However, few studies have assessed the level of PA after stroke in relation to the WHO recommendations and which sociodemographic factors and stroke characteristics are associated with those below the WHO recommendations.

To assess survivors of stroke at least 1 year after onset and (1) describe their self‐reported level of PA; (2) explore the association between PA, sociodemographics, and stroke characteristics, and (3) determine the characteristics of those below the WHO recommended level of PA.

Cross‐sectional descriptive survey.

Community settings.

Data were collected from 160 survivors of stroke (mean age 73 years, 46% women, mean time since stroke onset 35 months).

Not applicable.

The Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare Physical Activity Questionnaire and the following sociodemographics and stroke characteristics: gender, age, marital status, vocational situation, need for home help, use of mobility devices, time since stroke onset, first‐time stroke, type of stroke, location of stroke, and stroke treatment.

Two thirds (66.3%) of the participants were below the WHO recommendations. The hierarchical regression analysis explained 13% of the variance in PA with need for home help as a single significant contributor. Those who did not meet the WHO recommendations were significantly older, more likely to live alone, and in need of home help and mobility devices.

A majority of survivors of stroke do not meet the WHO recommended level of PA. Future studies should assess how other factors characterize those who are physically inactive. This knowledge could help rehabilitation professionals to target interventions and self‐management programs to promote PA among survivors of stroke.