What is the relationship between physical activity and cardiovascular risk factors in stroke survivors post completion of rehabilitation? Protocol for a longitudinal study

Natalie A Fini; Julie Bernhardt; Anne E Holland

doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019193

What is the relationship between physical activity and cardiovascular risk factors in stroke survivors post completion of rehabilitation? Protocol for a longitudinal study

BMJ Open. 2017 Nov 15;7(11):e019193. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019193.

Authors

Natalie A Fini^{1

2

3}, Julie Bernhardt⁴, Anne E Holland^{2

5}

Affiliations

¹ Physiotherapy Department, Caulfield Hospital, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia.
² Physiotherapy Department, School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
³ Physiotherapy Department, Melbourne School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
⁴ Stroke Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Australia.
⁵ Physiotherapy Department, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia.

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) can modify cardiovascular and other health risks in people with stroke, but we know little about long-term PA in this group. This study aims to describe PA levels and investigate relationships between PA, cardiovascular risk factors, mobility and participant characteristics (eg, age, mood and fatigue) in the 2 years following rehabilitation discharge after first stroke.

Methods and analysis: This is a longitudinal observational study with follow-up at 6, 12 and 24 months after rehabilitation discharge. Inclusion criteria are broad; excluding only those with previous stroke, palliative diagnosis, living more than 2 hours from the centre or admitted less than 5 days.The primary outcome of interest is duration of moderate to vigorous PA (min/day) measured by the Sensewear MF Armband (SWAB). Secondary outcomes include other PA measures measured with the SWAB; cardiovascular risk factors (eg, systolic blood pressure, fasting lipid profile and smoking status), mobility (10 m walk test), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Fatigue Severity Scale. All outcomes, except blood tests, are gathered at each time point.The target sample size is 77. We will explore associations between PA levels, cardiovascular risk factors, mobility and participant characteristics at baseline compared with 6, 12 and 24 months using random-effects regression modelling.The long-term PA of stroke survivors is largely unknown. We hope to identify factors that influence PA and cardiovascular risk in this population, which may help health professionals target the stroke survivors most at risk and implement appropriate treatment, preventative strategies and education.

Ethics and dissemination: Approval was granted from Alfred Hospital and La Trobe University Research Ethics Committees. The study results will be disseminated in a number of ways including journal publication and international conference presentations.

Trial registration number: ACTRN12613000196741.

Keywords: cardiovascular risk; longitudinal; physical activity; stroke.

Publication types

Observational Study

MeSH terms

Australia
Exercise*
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Prospective Studies
Quality of Life*
Regression Analysis
Research Design
Risk Factors
Stroke / therapy*
Stroke Rehabilitation / methods*
Survivors
Time Factors