Ambulatory activity of stroke survivors: measurement options for dose, intensity, and variability of activity.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Walking activity is an important part of exercise prescription for stroke survivors. The purpose of this study was to: (1) compare ambulatory activity parameters in subacute stroke survivors over three time periods; and (2) discuss options for measurement of ambulatory activity data with respect to absolute activity, intensity of activity, and variability and pattern of activity.

METHODS: Ten subacute stroke survivors participated (mean+/-SD; age: 66+/-15 years; time from stroke to discharge: 75+/-31 days). Data collection was completed across three time periods, predischarge, 2 weeks postdischarge, and 6 weeks postdischarge. The Step Activity Monitor (Cyma Corporation) was used to measure daily activity parameters. Parameters representing dose, intensity, and variability/pattern of activity were determined using MatLab.

RESULTS: Minutes of activity and length of activity bouts significantly increased from predischarge to 6 weeks postdischarge (P=0.030).

CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of a variety of ambulatory activity parameters may aid clinicians and stroke survivors to determine whether exercise recommendations are being met with daily activity.