Two Days of Measurement Provides Reliable Estimates of Physical Activity Poststroke: An Observational Study

AuthorsFini, Natalie A
Burge, Angela T.
Bernhardt, Julie
Holland, Anne E
TypeJournal Article (Original Research)
JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Year of Publication2018
URLhttps://www.archives-pmr.org/article/S0003-9993(18)31403-5/fulltext
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2018.10.006
AbstractHighlights
•Two days of physical activity (PA) measurement is reliable for simple variables and may be clinically feasible.
•When measuring bouts of PA and sedentary behavior, 3 or more days are required.
•Step count is significantly lower on weekends, and including a weekend day may increase variability.
Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to determine the duration of physical activity (PA) monitoring required for reliable measurements following stroke.

Design
Single-center, prospective, observational study.

Setting
PA was measured in a community setting.

Participants
Adults (N=70) poststroke.

Main Outcome Measures
The SenseWear armband was used to monitor PA for 5 days (≥10 hours wear per day).

Data Analysis
Variance among 2, 3, 4, and 5 days of consecutive measurements for PA variables was examined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The minimum number of days to achieve acceptable reliability (ICC ≥0.8) was calculated. Differences between weekdays and weekend days were investigated using paired t tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests.

Results
Two days of measurement was sufficient to achieve an ICC ≥0.8 for daily averages of total energy expenditure, step count, and time spent sedentary (≤1.5 metabolic equivalent tasks [METs]) and in light (1.5-3 METs) and moderate- to vigorous-intensity (>3 METs) PA. At least 3 days were required to achieve an ICC ≥0.8 when investigating the number of and time spent in bouts (≥10 minutes) of moderate to vigorous PA and sedentary behavior. Participants took significantly more steps (P=.03) and spent more time in light PA (P=.03) on weekdays than weekends.

Conclusion
Following stroke, 2 days of measurement appears sufficient to represent habitual PA for many simple variables. Three or more days may be necessary for reliable estimates of bouts of PA and sedentary behavior. Consistent inclusion or exclusion of a weekend day is recommended for measuring step count and light PA. Short periods of monitoring provide reliable PA information and may make PA measurement more feasible in the clinical setting.

http://www.ibas.org.au/what-we-do/publications/3873001


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