How daily activity patterns relate to recovery during stroke rehabilitation

Seventy subacute stroke patients were assessed for the relationship between circadian rest-activity rhythms and functional outcomes.

• Significant associations were found between rest-activity rhythm indicators and functional recovery, as measured by the Barthel Index.
• Interdaily stability (IS) showed positive correlations with Barthel Index scores at both admission (r = 0.32, P = 0.007) and discharge (r = 0.46, P < 0.001).
• Relative amplitude and the 10 most active continuous hours also demonstrated positive correlations with Barthel Index scores at both time points.
• After adjusting for various factors, IS was identified as an independent predictor of discharge Barthel Index scores (β = 0.23, P = 0.013).
• These findings suggest that disruptions in circadian rhythms may negatively impact rehabilitation outcomes in post-stroke patients.

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