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Published on: April 21, 2017
Use of Accelerometers to Examine Sedentary Time on an Acute Stroke Unit
Anna E Mattlage1, Sara A Redlin, Michael A Rippee
1Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City (A.E.M., S.A.R., and S.A.B.); Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City (M.A.R. and M.G.A.); and University of Kansas Hospital, Kansas City (M.M.R.).
Stroke patients spend over 90% of their hospital stay sedentary. Increased sedentary time was linked to poorer performance in activities of daily living, highlighting the need for more physical activity during acute stroke recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Inpatient stroke rehabilitation often involves low levels of physical activity.
- Objective measurement of sedentary time in acute stroke units is lacking.
- The relationship between sedentary time and functional outcomes in acute stroke is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize sedentary time in patients admitted to an acute stroke unit.
- To determine if sedentary time correlates with functional performance at hospital discharge.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-two acute stroke patients were enrolled within 48 hours of admission.
- Accelerometers measured 24-hour activity for 4 days or until discharge.
- Functional outcomes assessed via Physical Performance Test, Six-Minute Walk Test, and Timed Up and Go.
Main Results:
- Patients spent 93.9% ± 4.1% of their time sedentary and 5.1% ± 2.4% in light activity.
- Higher daily sedentary time significantly correlated with poorer Physical Performance Test scores at discharge (r = -0.37; P = .05).
- Sedentary time did not show a significant relationship with Six-Minute Walk Test or Timed Up and Go performance.
Conclusions:
- Acute stroke patients exhibit prolonged sedentary behavior throughout their hospital stay.
- Findings suggest a need to increase physical activity during hospitalization to mitigate inactivity's negative effects.
- Further research should explore interventions to reduce sedentary time and improve functional recovery post-stroke.
