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 (meanSD; age: 6615 years; time from stroke to discharge: 7531 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 (P0.030). 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. (Stroke. 2009;40:864-867.) Key Words: stroke ambulatory activity activity recommendations General deconditioning and metabolic abnormalities arecommon in stroke survivors, emphasizing the potential importance of aerobic exercise in reducing the risk fo