Free-living Physical Behaviors In Chronic Post-stroke Adults With Aphasia

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Stroke survivors often have chronic motor impairments that can lead to increased sedentary behavior (SB) and decreased physical activity (PA). Approximately 25 to 40% of stroke survivors acquire aphasia, a language disorder that impacts an individual’s ability to communicate, and has been shown to negatively impact PA. Still, limited research has been conducted characterizing or examining free-living PA and SB for adults with aphasia (AWA). PURPOSE: The present study aimed to describe free-living physical behaviors in chronic post-stroke AWA participating in a virtual, and in-person, aphasia-friendly exercise class. METHODS: 8 participants (2 female); age 57.9 (13.3) years.; Post stroke: 64.4 (42.8) months; were recruited and assessed for cognitive, linguistic, and PA measures. Average Western Aphasia Battery score at entry 66.1 ± 24.1 [range: 9.8 (severe global) to 87.4 (mild anomic)]. Free-living PA data were collected using activPAL 4+ (thigh-worn on most active leg) for 7-consecutive days. An average of 6.75 valid wear days (≥ 4 days with ≥10 hrs. of wear) were examined. RESULTS: Average daily wear time was 1440 minutes. On average, AWA accumulate less daily steps, sit-to-stand transitions, and spend more time sitting ( 7 hrs. In sitting bouts >30-minutes)(table 1), than what is recommended for post-stroke. Large variability resulted from two active participants. Without them, the data show less average daily steps (~1,300), and more daily sedentary time (~60-min) and sitting bouts >30-min. (~60-min). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to post-stoke limitations, AWA endure added barriers to engaging in PA. An aphasia-friendly exercise intervention may be of benefit by: (1) eliciting an increase PA behaviors, (2) promoting a decrease and intermittent SB such as, daily sitting, and (3) addressing activity level variability.Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Administration for Community Living 90PRRC0006-01-00