Levels and patterns of physical activity in stroke survivors with different ambulation status living in low-income areas of Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Little is known about physical activity (PA) in people with stroke living in low-income areas. The aim of this study was to characterize and contrast the levels and patterns of PA between stroke survivors with different ambulation status living in low-income areas in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 45 community-dwelling stroke survivors living in low-income areas in Cape Town participated. Accelerometers (Actigraph wGT3X-BT) were used to assess PA levels (vector magnitude counts and number of steps) and time spent sedentary, in light and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). Total daily PA and within-day activity patterns were compared between limited community ambulators (gait speed: '0.8 m/s) and community ambulators (gait speed: ≥0.8 m/s). Results: Limited community ambulators (n = 23) took fewer steps per day (1091 vs. 3524 steps, P ' .001), spent more time sedentary (80% vs 68%, P = .002) and less time in light PA (18% vs 25%, P = .008) and MVPA (1% vs 5%, P ' .001) than community ambulators (n = 22). The limited ambulation group had a consistent pattern of PA across the day without any significant variations in PA levels or intensity, whereas the unlimited ambulating group was most active in the morning followed by a gradual reduction in PA throughout the day. Conclusions: Community ambulating stroke survivors showed greater PA levels and a more variable diurnal pattern in contrast to the limited ambulation group. Different interventions may be required to assist the different groups to start engaging in health-enhancing PA.