Changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviour following geriatric rehabilitation in older adults with stroke

Older adults recovering from stroke engage in low levels of physical activity and spend long periods in sedentary behaviour. Sedentary behaviour during geriatric rehabilitation is still poorly understood. The aims of this study were to quantify physical activity, sedentary behaviour and accompanying patterns of change during geriatric rehabilitation.

Older adults (≥ 70 years) recovering from stroke in geriatric rehabilitation were included in this prospective cohort study. Patients wore an inertial measurement unit (IMU) on the ankle for 48 h, with data collected between 7am and 11 pm. Variables related to physical activity, sedentary behaviour and patterns of sedentary behaviour were calculated and analysed. Extracted principal components on admission and discharge were plotted in order to assess the individual degree of change.

In total, 53 patients with sufficient accelerometer wear time were included. The degree of change in physical activity and sedentary behaviour components was extremely diverse. Except for step count (P = 0.01), no significant changes were observed in any variable related to physical activity, sedentary behaviour or patterns of sedentary behaviour between admission and discharge.

Older adults recovering from stroke during geriatric rehabilitation improve their functional performance, but show little change in physical activity, sedentary behaviour or patterns of sedentary behaviour. The degree of change in physical activity and sedentary behaviour was highly diverse.