Physical inactivity after stroke: Incidence and early predictors based on 190 individuals in a 1-year follow-up of the Fall Study of Gothenburg.

More than half of potential participants had no follow-up activity information because they did not reply to the questionnaire. Respondents were older and had more ischaemic heart disease than non-respondents, while non-respondents smoked more, so the inactive proportion may be biased. Patients considered for thrombolysis or thrombectomy were not included, limiting generalisability to some acute stroke treatments. Physical activity was measured by one self-reported question, not validated specifically for stroke, and self-report may overestimate activity. The study was observational, so it cannot show that any predictor caused physical inactivity or that changing it would improve activity. Rehabilitation or support received after stroke was not recorded, so changes in activity cannot be attributed to treatment.

Do not conclude that reducing fear of falling will make stroke survivors more active. The study only found an association at 1 year, did not test an intervention, and had low response.