How does pre-stroke physical activity influence physical activity one year after minor stroke, and what role does cognitive impairment play?

Objective To examine the association between pre-stroke physical activity and physical activity levels 12 months after stroke, and to explore whether cognitive impairment modifies this association.Methods This study was a secondary analysis of data from a prospective cohort study of 100 patients with stroke at Aarhus University Hospital. Physical activity was assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, and cognitive function was measured using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associations between pre- and post-stroke physical activity, adjusting for relevant covariates.Results Low pre-stroke physical activity had significantly higher odds of low physical activity 12-months post-stroke (OR = 5.81, 95% CI: 1.61–24.0, p = 0.010). The estimated odds ratio for effect modification by cognitive impairment was 7.44 (95% CI: 0.81–89.9, p = 0.092), although the wide confidence interval indicates substantial uncertainty.Conclusions Pre-stroke PA was associated with PA levels 12 months post-stroke in individuals with mild stroke. Assessing pre-stroke PA may help identify patients at risk of persistent inactivity and guide personalized rehabilitation. The modifying role of cognitive impairment remains inconclusive and warrants further investigation.