Chronic Hemiparetic Subjects with Higher Physical Activity Levels Report Better Quality of Life

Abstract

Objective. To compare the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of chronic stroke with various levels of physical activity. Method. Physical activity was assessed by the Human Activity Profile (HAP), and subjects were stratified into three groups: active, moderately active and inactive. HRQoL was assessed by the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). ANOVA with post-hoc LSD was used to compare the HRQoL life among the three groups. Results. Ninety-eight chronic stroke were included (54% men), 56±12 years old and 64±53 months post-stroke. Twenty-six were classified as inactive, 55 as moderately active and 17 as active. A significant difference was observed in HRQoL between the three groups of physical activity (F =17.8 , p<0.01), with active groups showing better perceived HRQoL. A significant difference between the three categories of physical activity levels for all domains of HRQOL were observed: energy level (F=4.21, p=0.02 ), pain (F=9.13, p<0,01 ), emotional reactions (F=5.51, p<0.01), sleep quality (F=3.21, p=0.04), social interaction (F=4.42 , p=0.01) and physical skills (F=36.97, p<0.01). Conclusions. Active chronic stroke showed better perceived HRQoL, and thus the level of physical activity should be considered in approaches that aims to improve HRQOL in this population.

Effects of aerobic training on physical activity in people with stroke: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…Post-stroke physical inactivity is explained by several factors, which are directly and indirectly related to the stroke and have been suggested as the causes and consequences of functional declines and health problems [ 1 , 3 , 6 , 7 ]. After a stroke, low physical activity levels are the main consequences of the concomitant presence of cardiovascular diseases and disabilities, such as reduced cardiorespiratory fitness (median of 14 mL kg -1 min -1 , ranging from 8 to 23 mL kg -1 min -1 ) [ 8 – 10 ], depression [ 3 ], mobility limitations [ 11 ], as well as low perception of quality of life [ 12 ] and restricted social participation [ 2 ]. Besides contributing to physically inactive and sedentary lifestyles, these disabilities can also be aggravated by physically inactivity [ 3 ], creating a vicious cycle that dramatically impedes post-stroke individuals in adopting healthy lifestyles.…”

Efficacy of interventions to improve physical activity levels in individuals with stroke: a systematic review protocol

“…Common disabilities observed after stroke, including muscular weakness,10 reduced cardiorespiratory fitness,11 fatigue,12 physical mobility limitations,13 14 low perceptions of quality of life15 and restrictions in social participation,3 may lead to low physical activity lifestyles 9. Low levels of physical activity, in turn, have a negative impact on these disabilities and are related to health problems and, therefore, create a vicious cycle 9…”