PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL FATORS RELATED TO THE LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN INDIVIDUALS POST-STROKE

Abstract

The level of physical activity in stroke sufferers is significantly reduced when compared to neurologically healthy individuals. The factors related to such reduction are little known and described in the literature. The objective of this study is to investigate the level of physical activity self-reported and objectively measured in post-stroke patients at different stages after the event (subacute - 14 days to 6 months and chronic - up to 6 months). Additionally, investigate the association between physical activity level and physical and psychosocial factors after stroke. This is a cross-sectional study, which will include 100 post-stroke individuals in two groups: subacute and chronic phase, with data from Brazil and USA. The independent variables are the psychosocial and physical measures: as psychosocial measures will be evaluated the Self-Efficacy Questionaire and depression (Beck Depression Inventory). Measures related to physical capacities will include mobility (Timed up and go test) and aerobic capacity (6-minute Walk Test). The level of physical activity will include patient-reported through the Human Activity Profile and objectively measured by the ActiGraph accelerometer and the Pacer smartphone application. Those who have 30 minutes or more of activity per day for 5 days a week and those who have less than 30 minutes of daily physical activity for 5 days a week following the recommendations of the World Health Organization will be classified as active. The results will contribute to clarify the factors influencing the level of physical activity of stroke patients. These findings will also contribute to plan interventions strategies to promote an increase in the level of physical activity of such patients, improving their prognosis and quality of life.Based on this study we intend to answer the following research questions: a. Is there a correlation between the level of self-reported and objectively measured physical activity in post-stroke individuals? B. Is there an association between the physical (mobility and cardiorespiratory capacity) and psychosocial (depression and self efficacy) factors with the level of physical activity presented by the individuals after a stroke? C. if there is an association between these factors and the level of physical activity, is there a pattern of association as a function of time after stroke (subacute and chronic)?