Characterize the functional limitations and physical activity levels of adults chronic stroke survivors in the portuguese context to provide data to inform more tailored interventions for this population.
This observational, descriptive, cross-sectional included a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 12 chronic stroke survivors. Data collection involved two questionnaires to characterize sociodemographics, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for the physical activity levels, and functional tests, namely the 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT), 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT), 5 Times Sit To Stand (5TSTS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) and Barthel Index (BI). Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics. Mean and standard deviation were reported for normally distributed data, while median and percentiles were used for non-normally distributed data.
Regarding 6MWT and 10MWT, all survivors obtained results below the normative values, indicating limitations in cardiorespiratory capacity and walking speed. In the 5TSTS, 16.7% had a normal performance, highlighting lower limb weakness. In FMA, the survivors obtained the total score in the Motor Activity parameter, while in the coordination/speed, sensitivity, range of motion, and in pain, 16.66%, 41.65%, 16.66% and 74.97%, obtained, respectively, the maximum score. In the Mini-BESTest, 50% scored below the normative value, indicating a high risk of falls. In the BI, 58.31% revealed to have moderate dependence, 33.32% mild dependence and 8.33% total independence, indicating a high risk of falls. Regarding physical activity, 58.1% of survivors met the recommended 150 minutes per week of moderate physical activity, while 41.7% did not. None of the participants engaged in vigorous physical activity.
Significant functional limitations were identified in walking capacity and postural control, with most survivors scoring below normative values in key tests. However, physical activity levels were higher than expected, suggesting increased awareness of the importance of rehabilitation. For future work a larger longitudinal study could provide valuable insights into the changes in functional limitations and physical activity levels over time in a broader population of chronic stroke survivors.
Physiotherapists should prioritize functional assessment and physical activity to identified specific needs and develop tailor interventions that include physical activity programs. Healthcare organizations should allocate resources to support physical activity programs for stroke survivors. Policies should promote physical activity, ensure access to rehabilitation, and provide adequate funding.
Exercise
Functional tests
