Association Between Exercise Adherence and Long‐Term Quality of Life in Ischemic Stroke Survivors: A 2‐Year Prospective Cohort Study

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate factors associated with quality of life within 2 years post-discharge, with a particular focus on exercise adherence. DESIGN: A prospective observational cohort study. METHODS: Participants were enrolled during hospitalisation and followed up at discharge and at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months post-discharge via questionnaires. Linear mixed-effects models were used to identify factors associated with quality of life. DATA SOURCES: Data were collected from ischemic stroke patients (discharged from The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, January to August 2021) using structured questionnaires, medical records and validated scales. RESULTS: Of 355 enrolled stroke survivors, 242 (68.2%) completed the two-year follow-up. Functional disability, exercise adherence, family history of stroke and prior stroke were independently associated with long-term quality of life. CONCLUSION: Greater exercise adherence is independently associated with better quality of life on average over the 24-month follow-up period among stroke survivors. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Nurses and rehabilitation guidelines should prioritise exercise adherence support during long-term follow-up to sustain post-stroke quality of life.