Title : Accelerometer-measured sedentary behavior in stroke patients: A cross-sectional survey and influencing factors analysis
Abstract:
Background: Stroke is a chronic disease that poses a significant threat to patient health, with high incidence, disability, mortality, and economic burden. Sedentary behavior refers to low-energy static activities and has become the fourth leading cause of human death. Sedentary behavior is associated with adverse health outcomes in stroke survivors, such as post-stroke depression, decreased physical and cognitive function, and disease recurrence. However, the sedentary behavior of stroke patients is concerning, as research indicates that they spend a significant amount of their waking time in a sedentary state. Reducing sedentary behavior is beneficial for the prognosis of stroke patients. This study utilizes an accelerometer to monitor sedentary behavior in stroke patients and explores its influencing factors, aiming to identify interventions specifically tailored for stroke patients.
Aims: To monitor the sedentary behavior of stroke patients using Actigraph GTX3 accelerometer and explore its influencing factors, in order to identify intervention methods for reducing sedentary behavior in stroke patients.
Design: A cross - sectional study.
Methods: The random sampling method was adopted to select 114 stroke patients from the neurology department of a third-grade hospital of Henan Province from June 2023 to March 2024 in a cross-sectional study. They were assessed using a self-designed general data questionnaire, Actigraph GTX3 accelerometer, Barthel index rating scale, perceptive social support scale, and exercise self-efficacy scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to analyze the influencing factors of sedentary behavior in stroke patients.
Results: The average duration of sedentary behavior among the 114 stroke patients was found to be 414.4 (336.3~457.8) min/d. The results of multiple linear regression analysis revealed that gender, place of residence, education level, weekly physical activity prior to the stroke occurrence within six months' time frame, timed standing and walking test performance, Barthel index score, and social support significantly influenced sedentary behavior.
Conclusion: The sedentary behavior of stroke patients was moderately high? therefore, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to actively implement measures aimed at reducing such behaviors among this population group as part of secondary prevention strategies.
Audience Take Away:
- The study further confirmed the elevated levels of sedentary behavior in stroke patients. Excessive sedentary behavior may result in various adverse health outcomes such as post-stroke depression, reduced physical and cognitive function, and disease recurrence. Therefore, it is essential to reduce sedentary behavior in stroke patients. In clinical practice, attention should be given to monitoring the level of sedentary behavior in stroke patients, promoting moderate increases in physical activity, and conducting health education to raise awareness about the harmful effects of sedentary behavior on stroke recovery.
- The study results indicated that the sedentary behavior of stroke patients is influenced by a variety of factors including individual factors (gender, education level, and pre-disease exercise), disease-related factors (stroke stage, timed standing and walking test results, Barthel index) and social factors (place of residence and social support). Future intervention studies can focus on these aspects.
- The development of the Internet has facilitated communication between nurses and patients. In future intervention studies on reducing sedentary behavior in chronic disease patients like strokes, we can leverage the Internet's advantages by using websites, apps, social media tools to promote contact between stroke patients and medical staff or fellow patients/volunteers for increased social activities and participation. Additionally, healthcare providers can disseminate knowledge and interventions through the Internet while remotely tracking patient's levels of sedentary behavior for better interventions.
