ACTIVE LIVING AFTER STROKE: DEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL DETERMINANTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS

Abstract

Background: Regular physical activity is a key component of stroke rehabilitation, contributing to improved functional recovery, cardiovascular health, and reduced risk of recurrent stroke. However, evidence regarding physical activity patterns among stroke survivors in Pakistan remains limited. This study aimed to determine the frequency of physical activity among stroke patients and examine its association with selected demographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 54 stroke patients attending the Outpatient Physiotherapy Department of Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), Peshawar. Eligible participants were recruited using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Physical activity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and categorized as low, moderate, or High. Associations between physical activity level and gender, stroke type, and stroke phase were evaluated using the Chi-square test. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 27, with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: Among the 54 participants, moderate physical activity was the most prevalent category (40.7%, n = 22), followed by low physical activity (33.3%, n = 18) and High physical activity (25.9%, n = 14). No statistically significant associations were observed between physical activity level and gender (p = 0.839), stroke type (p = 0.746), or stroke phase (p = 0.650).

Conclusion: Moderate physical activity was the predominant activity level among stroke survivors receiving outpatient rehabilitation; however, one-third of participants demonstrated insufficient physical activity. Physical activity was not significantly associated with gender, stroke type, or stroke phase, suggesting that exercise participation is influenced by factors beyond basic demographic and clinical characteristics. Rehabilitation programs should emphasize individualized exercise prescription and long-term physical activity promotion to optimize recovery following stroke.