2019 Volume 21 Issue 2 Pages 91-103
The purpose of this article was to review overseas research on physical activity of patients with stroke for each stroke recovery phase and indicate its current status and associated issues in Japan. People at high risk for stroke tend to be physically inactive, and if they do suffer a stroke, they also tend to remain physically inactive after all phases of the stroke. Although there are targets of physical activity or activity levels, most patients with stroke cannot achieve these levels. However, various research into interventions that promote physical activity and reduction of sedentary behavior show that these interventions are often constructed using techniques of behavior change. Recently, mobile health interventions by use of mobile phones or wearable devices for patients with stroke has attracted much attention. Although research on the promotion of physical activity in patients with stroke is increasing in Japan, there are currently few studies on intervention and longitudinal follow-up. Future studies need to be conducted to show the importance of including the promotion of physical activity in stroke treatment guidelines.
