Physical Activity, Walking Speed Are Associated With Frailty After Stroke

Background: Frailty is common after chronic stroke and can lead to an increased risk of stroke recurrence, prolonged hospitalization, decreased efficacy of rehabilitation, and poorer cognitive function with delirium. Frailty, seen in 27% of stroke patients, leads to decreased physical function and is felt to be associated with modifiable risk factors (decreased walking speed, physical inactivity). Objective: To investigate whether modifiable risk factors are associated with frailty in individuals after chronic stroke, as well as to verify whether these variables contribute to the presence of frailty in these individuals. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants: Individuals after chronic stroke, aged ≥18 years, who could walk independently with or without an assistive device were included. Exclusion criteria were aphasia, cognitive dysfunction (ie, Mini-Mental State Examination score of Methods: Sociodemographic data (age, gender, marital status, and educational level) and clin more...