Prestroke physical activity and early functional status after stroke.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Physical activity is a known modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke.
• The impact of exercise on stroke severity and patient outcomes remains less understood.
• This study investigates the relationship between pre-stroke physical activity and post-stroke functional status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the association between self-reported physical activity levels before a stroke and stroke outcomes.
• To analyze the effect of different frequencies of aerobic exercise on functional recovery after ischemic stroke.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of data from the Ischemic Stroke Genetics Study.
• Analysis of prestroke physical activity levels and four stroke outcome measures (Barthel Index, Oxford Handicap Scale, Glasgow Outcome Scale).
• Logistic regression used to assess associations, adjusted for patient characteristics.

Main Results:

• Of 673 patients, 50.5% exercised <1/week, 28.5% 1-3/week, and 21% >=4/week.
• Higher physical activity correlated with better Barthel Index (BI) and Oxford Handicap Scale (OHS) scores at enrollment.
• Moderate activity remained associated with higher BI scores at 3-month follow-up; no significant associations for OHS or Glasgow Outcome Scale at follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Prestroke physical activity may confer functional advantages post-stroke.
• Findings suggest a potential benefit of regular exercise for stroke recovery.
• Further longitudinal studies in older populations are needed to confirm these exploratory results.