Factors Associated With Post-Stroke Physical Activity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Post-stroke physical activity is crucial for recovery and long-term health.
• Identifying factors influencing physical activity is essential for developing effective interventions.
• Literature on correlates of post-stroke physical activity requires systematic integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize the literature on factors associated with physical activity in stroke survivors.
• To identify both modifiable and nonmodifiable factors influencing post-stroke physical activity levels.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive search of 9 major databases was conducted from inception to June 2016.
• Included were cohort and cross-sectional studies of community-dwelling stroke survivors measuring physical activity correlates.
• Meta-analysis was performed for quantitative synthesis of correlated factors, with qualitative descriptions for others.

Main Results:

• Twenty-six studies involving 2161 participants were included.
• Nonmodifiable factors associated with physical activity included age and sex.
• Key modifiable factors were physical function, cardiorespiratory fitness, fatigue, self-efficacy (falls and balance), depression, and quality of life.

Conclusions:

• Age, sex, physical function, depression, fatigue, self-efficacy, and quality of life are significantly associated with post-stroke physical activity.
• The causal pathways and potential for reverse causality in these associations require further investigation.