Interventions for reducing sedentary behavior in people with stroke

Abstract

Sedentary behavior is defined as any waking behavior characterized by an energy expenditure =1.5 metabolic equivalents, while in a sitting, reclining, or lying posture. As well as being physically inactive, stroke survivors are also often sedentary and may sit for long periods of time each day. This increases cardiometabolic risk and impacts physical and other functions. The recent World Health Organization (2020) guidelines recommend reducing the amount of sedentary time and increasing physical activity in various groups including older adults and those with chronic conditions and disabilities; however, stroke-specific evidence is incomplete. Interventions to reduce or interrupt periods of sedentary time, as well as to increase physical activity after stroke, could reduce the risk of secondary cardiovascular events and mortality during life after stroke.