Physical inactivity after stroke: Incidence and early predictors based on 190 individuals in a 1-year follow-up of the Fall Study of Gothenburg

Objective: To determine the incidence of physical inactivity and factors prior to stroke and in acute stroke that are associated with physical inactivity 1 year after stroke Design: Prospective longitudinal cohort Patients: A total of 190 consecutively included individuals with acute stroke Methods: A follow-up questionnaire, relating to physical activity level using the Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Scale, was sent to participants in The Fall Study of Gothenburg 1 year after stroke. Predictors of physical inactivity at baseline were identified using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: Physical inactivity 1 year after stroke was reported by 70 (37%) of the 190 patients who answered the questionnaire and was associated with physical inactivity before the stroke, odds ratio (OR) 4.07 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.69–9.80, p = 0.002); stroke severity (assessed by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), score 1–4), OR 2.65 (95% CI) 1.04–6.80, p = 0.042) and fear of falling in acute stroke, OR 2.37 (95% CI 1.01–5.60, p = 0.048). Conclusion: Almost 4 in 10 participants reported physical inactivity 1 year after stroke. Physical inactivity before the stroke, stroke severity and fear of falling in acute stroke are the 3 main factors that predict physical inactivity 1 year after stroke.