Longitudinal study of physical activity in stroke survivors

The purpose of this study was to observe associations between physical activity (PA), cardiovascular risk factors, mobility, mood, fatigue, and cognition for 2 years after discharge from stroke rehabilitation. Measures of PA included step count and duration of moderate to vigorous PA and sedentary bouts. Evaluations were taken at 6, 12, and 24 months and assessed with random effects regression modeling. Associations were found between PA and lower body mass index (BMI). Better gait speed, endurance, and cognition at baseline were associated with higher PA at 2 years. These findings suggest that increased PA could be beneficial for reducing cardiovascular risk in stroke survivors.