Stroke patients split into three sedentary profiles during inpatient rehab, study finds
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Researchers at Kanazawa University and the Japanese Stroke & Physical Activity Multiple Center Research Team have identified distinct sedentary behavior patterns among patients with stroke undergoing inpatient rehabilitation.
Sedentary behavior refers to time spent sitting, reclining or lying down while awake. It is highly prevalent during stroke rehabilitation. Although reducing sedentary time and promoting physical activity are important goals, patients with stroke may differ not only in how much time they spend sedentary but also in how that sedentary time is accumulated and interrupted.
In this multicenter prospective study, the research team analyzed data from 420 patients with stroke admitted to 14 rehabilitation hospitals in Japan. Sedentary behavior was objectively assessed using triaxial accelerometers at admission and again one month later. The researchers applied cluster analysis using five sedentary behavior indicators: short (less than 30 minutes), medium (30–59 minutes) and long (60 minutes or more) sedentary bout ratios, total sedentary time, and break frequency.
The analysis identified three subgroups: a low sedentary behavior group, a moderate sedentary behavior group, and a high sedentary behavior group. The study also found that changes in sedentary behavior patterns from admission to one month differed among these groups.
These findings, published in the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy, suggest that support for reducing sedentary behavior after stroke should not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Early behavioral profiling using sedentary behavior indicators may help guide the development of individualized strategies to reduce sedentary time during rehabilitation.
"We hope that this study will serve as a starting point for considering more individualized support for patients after stroke," said Masashi Kanai of Kanazawa University.
"Rather than simply trying to reduce sedentary time in the same way for all patients, it may be important to understand each patient's sedentary behavior pattern and how it changes during rehabilitation. We will continue working to promote the assessment of physical activity and sedentary behavior in clinical practice."
More information
Masashi Kanai et al, Clustering of Sedentary Behavior and Longitudinal Changes in Patients With Stroke Undergoing Rehabilitation, Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy (2026). DOI: 10.1097/npt.0000000000000559
Key medical concepts
StrokeSedentary BehaviorAccelerometryRehabilitationActivities, Physical
Clinical categories
NeurologyFitness & Physical activityAllied healthPhysiatry Provided by Kanazawa University Who's behind this story?
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