Self-reported physical activity after ischemic stroke correlates with physical capacity

Abstract

Little is known about stroke survivors’ level of physical activity or if physical activity plays a role in preventing recurrent stroke. The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) is a valid measure of self-reported level of physical activity in the previous 1-week period reflecting physical activity in older adults, but has not yet been evaluated for use in stroke survivors. The aim was to examine the correlation between self-reported physical activity as measured by PASE and physical capacity as measured by the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) in persons after an ischemic stroke. A consecutive sample of 49 participants ≥40 years of age suffering from mild stroke were included 3–12 months after stroke onset. PASE was administered by interviewing the participants and a trained physiotherapist blinded for the PASE score tested them with the seven items of the SFT. Correlations between PASE score and those items in the SFT that required strength, endurance and balance were moderate between 0.37 (p=0.03) and 0.50 (p=0.0005) for the total group. There was no correlation between PASE score and flexibility items. The findings indicate that PASE reflects overall physical capacity to perform everyday activities that require strength, aerobe endurance and balance in persons suffering from mild stroke.