Impact of Stroke Impairment and Phases in Daily Steps of Stroke Survivors Living in Community

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to provide detailed information about the number of steps taken by stroke survivors based on their level of impairment in order to guide recommendations for PA. DESIGN: A meta-analysis was conducted, including studies that assessed daily steps and stroke impairment in community-dwelling stroke patients. Participants were categorized into three groups based on stroke impairment severity (minor, minor and moderate, moderate and severe) and into two groups based on stroke phase (subacute and chronic). RESULTS: A total of 47 studies were included, encompassing 1749 participants. There were 494 in the minor stroke group, 1097 in the minor and moderate group, and 158 in the moderate and severe group. A significant difference in daily steps was observed across these groups ( P < 0.01), with the first group averaging 4645 steps/day, the second 3610 steps/day, and the third 1990 steps/day. No significant difference was found between the subacute and chronic groups in terms of daily steps (3839 vs 3783 steps/day). CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the significant impact of stroke impairment on daily step count. We recommend implementing targeted interventions, particularly during the chronic phase, to increase PA levels in stroke survivors, tailored to the specific impairments of each patient.