Association between pre-stroke physical activity and mobility and walking ability in the early subacute phase: A registry-based study.

Abstract

To investigate associations between pre-stroke physical activity and mobility, walking ability, and self-perceived upper extremity function during stroke unit care. A longitudinal, registry-based study with a consecutively collected cohort. A total of 1,092 adults with stroke admitted to 3 Swedish stroke units between 2017 and 2018. Logistic mixed effects regression models were performed to investigate associations (adjusted for age and sex). Pre-stroke physical activity was assessed with Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale on admission. Mobility, walking ability, and self-perceived upper extremity function were assessed at admission and discharge from the stroke units and compared between pre-stroke physically active (45%) and inactive (55%) groups. All groups of patients showed improvements in mobility (p  < 0.001), walking ability (p  < 0.001), and upper extremity function (p  < 0.001). The chang-es over time tended to differ between the physically inactive and active groups for mobility (p  < 0.062) and walking ability (p  < 0.056), but the differences were not significant. Pre-stroke physically active people show-ed a tendency to be more independent in physical functioning early after stroke. Regardless of pre-stroke physical activity, all patients showed improvements in mobility, walking ability, and self-perceived upper extremity function during inpatient care.