The Correlation Between Activity Levels and the Functional Outcomes of Patients Affected by Stroke at an Inpatient Rehabilitation Cente

Background: Strokes are one of the most disabling neurologic conditions of adult life. Early intensive rehabilitation, as well as higher levels of mobility and physical activity, have been associated with better outcomes after a stroke. Given the correlation between activity levels and all-cause mortality, the average amount of physical activity that survivors of stroke partake in during the earliest stages of recovery is a variable of interest for physical therapy professionals. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to track and analyze the activity levels of patients affected by a stroke at The Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging & Rehabilitation (Brookdale), and to correlate this to the patients' scores on the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and the Timed Up & Go (TUG). Methods: Patients admitted to Brookdale following stroke meeting the inclusion criteria were considered for this study. Participants were evaluated by a physical therapist and given activity monitors to wear continuously during their stay. Functional outcome measures were scored at evaluation and discharge. Activity levels were compared to key outcome measures. Results: 5 were included as participants in this study. One participant was excluded from the data analysis due to inconsistencies in their data occurring during a natural disaster that struck Brookdale at the time of the study. The average admission FIM score for the participants was 69.25 (SD = 13.91), and the average FIM score at time of discharge was 103.5 (SD = 10.25). The average change in FIM score among those participants included in this study was 34.25 (SD = 5.68). The average minutes of vigorous physical activity per day were 65.60 (SD = 65.96), whereas the average minutes of moderate physical activity per day were 102.6 (SD = 40.80). Conclusion: Although conclusions from this study are limited, there is a trend with longer lengths of stay (LOS) and more total therapy minutes with greater positive changes in FIM. Further research is necessary with larger sample sizes to further test this correlation. Also, future research needs to focus on the correlation between functional outcomes and type of therapy received.