Physical Activity After Transient Ischemic Attack or Mild Stroke Is Business as Usual.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Regular, sustained moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is a recommended strategy to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke for people who have had transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mild stroke. This study aimed to explore attitudes toward, and experience of engaging in physical activity by adults following a TIA or mild stroke. METHODS: Constructivist grounded theory methodology informed data collection and analysis. Interviews from 33 adults with TIA or mild stroke (mean age 65 [SD 10] years, 48% female, 40% TIA) were collected. RESULTS: Business as usual characterized physical activity engagement post-TIA or mild stroke. Most participants returned to prestroke habits, as either regular exerciser or nonexerciser, with only a small number making changes. Influencing factors for physical activity participation included information, challenges, strategies, and support. Business as usual was associated with a perceived lack of information to suggest a need to change behaviors. Nonexercisers and those who decreased physical activity emphasized challenges to physical activity, while regular exercisers and those who increased physical activity focused on strategies and support that enabled participation despite challenges. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Information about the necessity to engage in recommended physical activity levels requires tailoring to the needs of the people with TIA or mild stroke. Helpful information in combination with support and strategies may guide how to navigate factors preventing engagement and might influence the low level of physical activity prevalent in this population.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1 available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A376).

What do stroke survivors' value about participating in research and what are the most important research problems related to stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)? A survey.

BACKGROUND: Recruitment to stroke clinical trials is challenging, but consumer registers can facilitate participation. Researchers need to understand the key factors that facilitate trial involvement and improve consumer partnerships to identify what research topics important to stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) survivors and their carers. We aimed to examine i) the experience of being involved in a stroke research register, and ii) the priorities for stroke research from the perspective of stroke survivors. METHODS: Online and paper-based surveys were sent directly to members of a stroke register and disseminated online. Multiple choice questions were reported as counts and percentages and open-ended questions were thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke's 6-stage process. RESULTS: Of 445 survey respondents, 154 (38%) were a member of the Stroke Research Register. The most frequently reported reason for research participation was to help others in the future. Respondents reported they were less likely to take part in research if the research question was not relevant to them, if transport was an issue, or because they lacked time. The most important research problems reported were targeting specific impairments including recovery of movement, fatigue, and aphasia, improvement of mental health services, and increased support for carers. CONCLUSIONS: Recruitment to trials may be improved by research registers if an inclusive research culture is fostered, in which consumers feel valued as members of a community, have direct and timely access to research findings and the opportunity to be meaningfully involved in research around the problems that consumers find most important.

Emergency healthcare workers' preparedness for disaster management: An integrative review.

BACKGROUND: Around 2 billion people globally were affected by natural disasters between 2008-2018. The World Health Organization requires countries and governments to have disaster plans and emergency health workers ready and prepared at all times. OBJECTIVES: To conduct an integrative review of literature of emergency healthcare workers' perceived preparedness for disaster management. METHODOLOGY: An integrative literature review using the PRISMA checklist guidelines was conducted to explore physicians, nurses, emergency medical services and allied medical professionals' preparedness for disasters. Literature was searched from 2005, published in the English language and from MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, EMBASE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, ProQuest and CINAHL databases. Reviews, case reports, clinical audits, editorials and short communications were excluded. Studies were critically appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 9589 articles. Twenty-seven articles were included following application of the eligibility criteria. Included studies were geographically diverse including North America, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific. Most studies (n = 24) assessed the knowledge of healthcare workers in general disasters. Studies using the Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool reported moderate disaster preparedness and knowledge, while studies using other instruments largely reported inadequate disaster preparedness and knowledge. Regional variations were recorded, with high-income countries' reporting a higher perceived preparedness for disasters than low-income countries. CONCLUSION: The majority of the emergency healthcare workers appear to have inadequate disaster preparedness. Previous disaster experience and training improved disaster preparedness. Future research should focus on interventions to improve emergency healthcare workers preparedness for disasters.

Participation, Fear of Falling, and Upper Limb Impairment are Associated with High Sitting Time in People with Stroke.

The purpose of this cross-sectional, exploratory study was to explore associations between sitting time and (1) participation, (2) fear of falling, and (3) upper limb impairment after stroke. High sitting time was associated with less participation in meaningful activities involving standing or walking (ρ = -0.519, p = 0.023). A greater fear of falling (ρ = 0.579, p = 0.012) and having an impaired upper limb (mean difference 18.7%, 95% CI: 5.3-32.1, p = 0.012) were associated with greater sitting time. Providing support for stroke survivors to participate in meaningful activities while reducing sitting time is an important consideration when planning occupational therapy interventions, particularly for individuals with an arm impairment and/or those with a fear of falling.

Real-life experiences of people with transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke: A qualitative literature review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore and present findings of qualitative studies exploring real-life experiences of people with transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke. BACKGROUND: Transient ischaemic attack and minor stroke significantly increase the risk of stroke. Primarily, literature has examined healthcare pathways, patient outcomes and models of care through quantitative methodologies. Several studies have explored patient experiences using qualitative approaches. However, these findings have not been systematically collated or critically appraised to better understand the experiences of this population. DESIGN: A literature review of the qualitative evidence. METHOD: A systematic literature search was conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO between January 2005-October 2016 to identify qualitative studies that explored real-life experiences of people with transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke. The relevant EQUATOR guidelines were followed. Findings of relevant studies were critically appraised and collated using a thematic approach. RESULTS: The search retrieved 709 articles. Twelve articles were included after critical review. Three themes emerged including recognition, awareness and action; the vulnerable self; and social and personal life change. Participants experienced ongoing vulnerability and change in their personal and social lives. Specifically, people believed that their condition did not reflect their physical appearance and led to their needs being unmet by health professionals. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first review of the literature to collate the thoughts, perspectives and experiences of people living with transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke. They reveal a complex, life-altering experience characterised by vulnerability, instability and change. Education that assists clinicians to connect with these experiences may alleviate the patient-reported disconnection with health professionals. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Physical and psychosocial dysfunctions were consistently reported to be overlooked or undetected by clinicians. Educating clinicians might enable them to better understand patient experiences, improve therapeutic interactions and meet the needs of this population.

Living within stories: Exploring the experiences of people with transient ischemic attack.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) significantly increases a person's risk of ischemic stroke. However, little is known about the experiences of these people or what influences their decision to access care. This article explores the stories of three people who experienced a TIA. All participants were interviewed after receiving a diagnosis of TIA by a specialist neurologist. By utilizing a framework of narrative inquiry, several storylines were revealed across temporal, social, and geographical landscapes. The main storylines include: bodily disruption, time stasis, altered temporal perceptions, the roles of others, and help-seeking behavior. The primary author also reflects upon his own origin and explores how this inquiry has influenced his perceptions, career, and nursing practice. This inquiry may assist healthcare workers to gain insight into the experiences of people with TIA and suggests how involvement of significant others is beneficial when educating people at risk of TIA.

Management of post-stroke fatigue: an Australian health professional survey.

PURPOSE: Evidence for post-stroke fatigue management is limited. We aimed to explore how Australian health professionals assess and assist fatigue management. Our objectives were to identify fatigue assessment tools and interventions used, explore clinician's confidence managing fatigue and explore whether management of post-stroke fatigue differs from management of fatigue related to other conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was completed by Australian health professionals (n = 60) providing services to people with fatigue. Analysis of open-ended questions identified common interventions and descriptive statistics were calculated for closed and dichotomized questions. RESULTS: Routine use of formal fatigue assessment tools was low (17%, n = 10). Most respondents reporting use of the Fatigue Impact Scale, Fatigue Assessment Scale and Fatigue Severity Scale. To address fatigue, respondents reported providing energy optimization strategies, education, and exercise interventions in clinical practice. Less frequently reported interventions were strategies to adapt tasks, sleep hygiene, psychology, nutrition, and pharmacology interventions. Respondents were "moderately" confident managing post-stroke fatigue. Respondents did not report differences between how they manage post-stroke fatigue and fatigue present in other conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Few Australian health professionals formally assess post-stroke fatigue. Management is multidisciplinary and based on evidence from fatigue management in other conditions.Implications for rehabilitationMost health professionals are not routinely using formal assessment tools for fatigue, possibly due to a lack of consensus on best practice in research.Common strategies recommended by health professionals include energy optimisation strategies, education and exercise.Comprehensive guidelines for post-stroke fatigue management are yet to be established.Health professionals should assess post-stroke fatigue using a validated tool to ensure an individualised approach to management based on the current available clinical guidelines.

Lasting impairments following transient ischemic attack and minor stroke: a systematic review protocol.

Introduction: The focus on medical management and secondary prevention following Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) and minor stroke is well-established. Evidence is emerging that people with TIA and minor stroke can experience lasting impairments as fatigue, depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and communication difficulties. These impairments are often underrecognized and inconsistently treated. Research in this area is developing rapidly and an updated systematic review is required to evaluate new evidence as it emerges. This living systematic review aims to describe the prevalence of lasting impairments and how they affect the lives of people with TIA and minor stroke. Furthermore, we will explore whether there are differences in impairments experienced by people with TIA compared to minor stroke. Methods: Systematic searches of PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Libraries will be undertaken. The protocol will follow the Cochrane living systematic review guideline with an update annually. A team of interdisciplinary reviewers will independently screen search results, identify relevant studies based on the defined criteria, conduct quality assessments, and extract data. This systematic review will include quantitative studies on people with TIA and/or minor stroke that report on outcomes in relation to fatigue, cognitive and communication impairments, depression, anxiety, quality of life, return to work/education, or social participation. Where possible, findings will be grouped for TIA and minor stroke and collated according to the time that follow-up occurred (short-term < 3 months, medium-term 3-12 months, and long-term > 12 months). Sub-group analysis on TIA and minor stroke will be performed based on results from the included studies. Data from individual studies will be pooled to perform meta-analysis where possible. Reporting will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocol (PRISMA-P) guideline. Perspectives: This living systematic review will collate the latest knowledge on lasting impairments and how these affect the lives of people with TIA and minor stroke. It will seek to guide and support future research on impairments emphasizing distinctions between TIA and minor stroke. Finally, this evidence will allow healthcare professionals to improve follow-up care for people with TIA and minor stroke by supporting them to identify and address lasting impairments.

Empathy development and volunteering for undergraduate healthcare students: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: Empathy in healthcare benefits patients and healthcare providers. However, empathy decline is a recent trend within healthcare education. There is a paucity of literature that investigates the impact of volunteering on the empathy levels of undergraduate healthcare students. This scoping review explores the literature regarding empathy and volunteering for healthcare students. DESIGN: The Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews guided this study. DATA SOURCES: The electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, ProQuest, JBI, Cochrane, PubMed, PsychInfo, and PsychNurses were searched from January 2001 to August 2021. The original search was developed in MEDLINE and then adapted to the other databases. REVIEW METHODS: This scoping review used the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology. The search retrieved a total of 310 articles. Following deduplication, 271 articles were reviewed by title and abstract. Thirty articles were reviewed in full text with twelve articles meeting the criteria for inclusion. Included studies were assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). RESULTS: Five qualitative, four quantitative and three mixed method studies were included. A variety of volunteering interventions for undergraduate healthcare students were identified from countries including the United States of America, Singapore, Australia, and Brazil. Thematic analysis identified that volunteer undergraduate healthcare students practiced and developed empathy, and experienced professional and personal development. CONCLUSIONS: Volunteering interventions were primarily in a service-learning modality within community health and palliative healthcare settings. Inconsistencies exist in empathy definitions and empirical empathy measurement. There is a need for more research that explores empathy development through volunteer activities in acute care settings.

Participants' Perspective of Engaging in a Gym-Based Health Service Delivered Secondary Stroke Prevention Program after TIA or Mild Stroke.

People who have had a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mild stroke have a high risk of recurrent stroke. Secondary prevention programs providing support for meeting physical activity recommendations may reduce this risk. Most evidence for the feasibility and effectiveness of secondary stroke prevention arises from programs developed and tested in research institute settings with limited evidence for the acceptability of programs in 'real world' community settings. This qualitative descriptive study explored perceptions of participation in a secondary stroke prevention program (delivered by a community-based multidisciplinary health service team within a community gym) by adults with TIA or mild stroke. Data gathered via phone-based semi-structured interviews midway through the program, and at the end of the program, were analyzed using constructivist grounded theory methods. A total of 51 interviews from 30 participants produced two concepts. The first concept, "What it offered me", describes critical elements that shape participants' experience of the program. The second concept, "What I got out of it" describes perceived benefits of program participation. Participants perceived that experiences with peers in a health professional-led group program, held within a community-based gym, supported their goal of changing behaviour. Including these elements during the development of health service strategies to reduce recurrent stroke risk may strengthen program acceptability and subsequent effectiveness.

Patient readiness for risk-reduction education and lifestyle change following transient ischemic attack.

PURPOSE: Patient readiness for secondary prevention and lifestyle change following transient ischemic attack is not well understood. Understanding patient perspectives about the timing and delivery of secondary prevention education is essential to promote meaningful risk factor reduction in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single, semi-structured, telephone interview was conducted with ten individuals (7 male, 3 female) within three months following a transient ischemic attack. Interviews explored transient ischemic attack experiences and post-event education. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Individuals had a variety of experiences with secondary prevention education. Four themes emerged from these experiences including "what the hell happened?", "I mustn't have been quite ready", "what should I be doing?" and "we all see it in different ways." Individual knowledge, personal experience of transient ischemic attack, socio-environmental factors, and the format and content of education influenced patient readiness to receive secondary prevention education and adopt lifestyle changes. CONCLUSION: Readiness for risk-reduction education and lifestyle change following transient ischemic attack is individual and complex. Logistical factors including the location, time, and cost of education, timing of education delivery, and patient perspectives should be considered in the development and delivery of secondary prevention interventions for these people. Implications for rehabilitation Risk reduction and lifestyle change following transient ischemic attack is vital to prevent recurrent stroke. Patients are ready to receive risk reduction and lifestyle advice approximately one week after their transient ischemic attack. Programs designed to provide risk reduction and lifestyle education should be informed by the unique requirements of this population. Uptake of participation in secondary prevention programs may be maximized by offering flexibility in terms of timing post-event and modes of delivery (e.g. Telehealth).

Comparing the physical activity of stroke survivors in high-income countries and low to middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND: Low physical activity levels in people with stroke may contribute to higher risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Differences in economic status, culture and the built environment may influence the applicability of interventions developed in high income countries (HIC) for stroke survivors in low to middle-income countries (LMIC). PURPOSE: To compare physical activity levels of stroke survivors in HIC and LMIC and to explore the influence of lower limb impairment on physical activity levels. METHODS AND MATERIALS: An exploratory secondary analysis of observational data on physical activity levels of stroke survivors from Australia (HIC) and India (LMIC). Physical activity variables (step count, light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)) were measured by accelerometery. Comparisons of physical activity levels between (a) Australian and Indian stroke survivors and (b) participants with and without lower limb impairments were performed using independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in physical activity levels between (i) Australian and Indian stroke survivors (step count mean difference 201 steps [-1375 to 974], LPA mean difference -24 min [-22 to 69], MVPA mean difference 2 min [-8 to 3]), and (ii) stroke survivors with and without lower limb impairments in either country. CONCLUSION: Stroke survivors were highly inactive in both countries. Despite differences in economic status, cultural influences and the built environment, the physical activity of stroke survivors in Australia and India did not differ. People with and without lower limb impairment also had similar physical activity levels.

The Effects of Interrupting Prolonged Sitting With Frequent Bouts of Light-Intensity Standing Exercises on Blood Pressure in Stroke Survivors: A Dose Escalation Trial.

BACKGROUND: Interrupting prolonged sitting acutely lowers blood pressure in nonstroke populations. However, the dose-response effect in stroke survivors is unknown. The authors investigated different doses of light-intensity standing exercises that interrupt prolonged sitting and reduce blood pressure immediately and over 24 hours in stroke survivors. METHODS: Within-participant, laboratory-based, dose escalation trial. Conditions (8 h) were prolonged sitting and 2 experimental conditions of standing exercises with increasing frequency (3 cohorts, 2 × 5 min to 6 × 5 min). The primary outcome is the mean systolic blood pressure. RESULTS: Twenty-nine stroke survivors (aged 66 [12] y) participated. Frequent bouts of standing exercises lowered the mean systolic blood pressure following the 4 × 5-minute (-2.1 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.6 to -0.6) and 6 × 5-minute conditions (-2.3 mm Hg; 95% CI, -4.2 to -0.5) compared with prolonged sitting. Diastolic blood pressure was lowered following the 6 × 5-minute condition (-1.4 mm Hg; 95% CI, -2.7 to -0.2). The 24-hour systolic blood pressure increased following the 2 × 5-minute condition (6.9 mm Hg; 95% CI, 3.1 to 10.6). CONCLUSIONS: Interrupting prolonged sitting with more frequent bouts of standing exercises lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure in stroke survivors. However, reductions may only be short term, and investigations on sustained effects are warranted.

Acute Effects of Frequent Light-Intensity Standing-Based Exercises That Interrupt 8 Hours of Prolonged Sitting on Postprandial Glucose in Stroke Survivors: A Dose-Escalation Trial.

BACKGROUND: Interrupting prolonged sitting can attenuate postprandial glucose responses in overweight adults. The dose-response effect in stroke survivors is unknown. The authors investigated the effects of interrupting 8 hours of prolonged sitting with increasingly frequent bouts of light-intensity standing-based exercises on the postprandial glucose response in stroke survivors. METHODS: Within-participant, laboratory-based, dose-escalation trial. Participants completed three 8-hour conditions: prolonged sitting and 2 experimental conditions. Experimental conditions involved light-intensity standing-based exercises of increasing frequency (2 × 5 min to 6 × 5 min bouts). Postprandial glucose is reported. RESULTS: Twenty-nine stroke survivors (aged 66 y) participated. Interrupting 8 hours of prolonged sitting with light-intensity standing-based exercises every 90 minutes significantly decreased postprandial glucose (positive incremental area under the curve; -1.1 mmol/L·7 h; 95% confidence interval, -2.0 to -0.1). In the morning (08:00-11:00), postprandial glucose decreased during the 4 × 5 minutes and 6 × 5 minutes conditions (positive incremental area under the curve; -0.8 mmol/L·3 h; 95% confidence interval, -1.3 to -0.3 and -0.8 mmol/L·3 h; 95% confidence interval, -1.5 to -0.2, respectively) compared with prolonged sitting. CONCLUSION: Interrupting 8 hours of prolonged sitting at least every 90 minutes with light-intensity standing-based exercises attenuates postprandial glucose in stroke survivors. During the morning, postprandial glucose is attenuated when sitting is interrupted every 60 and 90 minutes.

Investigating the rigour of research findings in experimental studies assessing the effects of breaking up prolonged sitting - extended scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: Sedentary behaviour research is a relatively new field, much of which has emerged since the widespread acceptance of clinical trial registration. The aim of this study was to investigate the trial registration and related issues in studies investigating the effect of frequent activity interruptions to prolonged sitting-time. METHODS: Secondary analysis of a scoping review including systematic searches of databases and trial registries. We included experimental studies investigating the effects of frequent activity interruptions to prolonged sitting-time. RESULTS: We identified 32 trials published in 45 papers. Only 16 (50%) trials were registered, with all 16 trials being completed and published. Of the unregistered trials, we identified three (19%) for which similarities in the sample size and participant demographics across papers was suggestive of duplicate publication. Identification of potential duplicate publications was difficult for the remaining 13 (81%). Results from 53 (76%) of the 70 registered outcomes were published, but 11 (69%) registered trials reported results from additional outcomes not prospectively registered. A total of 46 different outcomes (out of 53 reported outcome measures, similar measures were collated) were reported across all trials, 31 (67%) of which were collected in ≤2 trials. CONCLUSIONS: We found direct evidence of trial registration issues in experimental trials of breaking up sitting-time. The lack of prospective registration of all trials, and the large number of outcomes measured per trial are key considerations for future research in this field. These issues are unlikely to be confined to the field of sedentary behaviour research.

What is the effect of interrupting prolonged sitting with frequent bouts of physical activity or standing on first or recurrent stroke risk factors? A scoping review.

The objective of this review was to ascertain the scope of the available literature on the effects of interrupting prolonged sitting time with frequent bouts of physical activity or standing on stroke and recurrent stroke risk factors. Databases Medline, Embase, AMED, CINAHL and Cochrane library were comprehensively searched from inception until 21st February 2018. Experimental trials which interrupted sitting time with frequent bouts of physical activity or standing in adults (≥ 18 years) were included. Comparison to a bout of prolonged sitting and a measure of at least one first or recurrent stroke risk factor was required to be included. Overall, 30 trials (35 articles) were identified to meet the inclusion criteria. Fifteen trials were completed in participants at an increased risk of having a first stroke and one trial in participants at risk of a recurrent stroke. Outcomes of hypertension and dysglycemia were found to be more favourable following predominately light- to moderate-intensity bouts of physical activity or standing compared to sitting in the majority of trials in participants at risk of having a first stroke. In the one trial of stroke survivors, only outcomes of hypertension were significantly improved. These findings are of significant importance taking into consideration hypertension is the leading risk factor for first and recurrent stroke. However, trials primarily focused on measuring outcomes of dysglycemia and without assessing a dose-response effect. Additional research is required on the dose-response effect of interrupting sitting with frequent bouts of physical activity or standing on first and recurrent stroke risk factors, in those high risk population groups.

Breaking up sitting time after stroke - How much less sitting is needed to improve blood pressure after stroke (BUST-BP-Dose): Protocol for a dose-finding study.

Excessive sitting is detrimentally associated with cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Frequent breaks in prolonged sitting can improve cardiometabolic responses in non-stroke populations. However, this has not been established in stroke survivors. This study will determine the most effective dose of activity breaks that (i) produce clinically meaningful improvements in mean systolic blood pressure (primary outcome), postprandial glucose, and insulin responses (secondary outcomes), and (ii) is safe and feasible. We hypothesis that systolic blood pressure, postprandial insulin, and glucose responses will improve with increasing doses of activity and be most effective at the maximum safe and feasible dose of activity. Thirty participants in the most effective dose will provide 80% power to detect a within-person, between-condition, difference of 3.5 mmHg in systolic blood pressure assuming a SD of 15 mmHg, within-person correlation of 0.9, and α = 0.05. Stroke survivors will complete 3 experimental conditions in a within-participant, dose escalation design including (i) uninterrupted sitting (8 h), (ii) Dose 1: uninterrupted sitting with bouts of light-intensity exercises while standing (initial dose involves two 5-min breaks), and (iii) Dose 2: two additional 5-min breaks above Dose 1. Ambulatory blood pressure will be collected every 30 min during experimental conditions and hourly for 24-h post-experimental conditions. Blood samples will be collected every 30 min during 2-h postprandial periods. This study will identify the most effective dose of light-intensity exercises while standing to improve cardiometabolic responses in stroke survivors.

Breaking up sitting time after stroke (BUST-stroke).

OBJECTIVES: People with stroke sit for long periods each day, which may compromise blood glucose control and increase risk of recurrent stroke. Studies in other populations have found regular activity breaks have a significant immediate (within-day) positive effect on glucose metabolism. We examined the effects of breaking up uninterrupted sitting with frequent, short bouts of light-intensity physical activity in people with stroke on post-prandial plasma glucose and insulin. METHODS: Randomized within-participant crossover trial. We included people between 3 months and 10 years post-stroke, ambulant with minimal assistance and not taking diabetic medication other than metformin. The three experimental conditions (completed in random order) were: sitting for 8 h uninterrupted, sitting with 3 min bouts of light-intensity exercise while standing every 30 min, or sitting with 3 min of walking every 30 min. Meals were standardized and bloods were collected half- to one-hourly via an intravenous cannula. RESULTS: A total of 19 participants (9 female, mean [SD] age 68.2 [10.2]) completed the trial. The majority ( n = 12, 63%) had mild stroke symptoms (National Institutes of Stroke Scale score 0-13). There was no significant effect of experimental condition on glucose (mean [SD] positive incremental area [+iAUC] mmol·L·h-1 under the curve during sitting 42.3 [29.5], standing 47.4 [23.1], walking 44.6 [26.5], p = 0.563) or insulin (mean + iAUC pmol·L·h-1 sitting 14,161 [7,560], standing 14,043 [8,312], walking 14,008 [8,269], p = 0.987). CONCLUSION: Frequent, short bouts of light-intensity physical activity did not have a significant effect on post-prandial plasma glucose and insulin in this sample of people with stroke. Further studies are needed to identify strategies that improve inactivity-related glucose metabolism after stroke.

Frequent, short bouts of light-intensity exercises while standing decreases systolic blood pressure: Breaking Up Sitting Time after Stroke (BUST-Stroke) trial.

BACKGROUND: Stroke survivors sit for long periods each day. Uninterrupted sitting is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Breaking up uninterrupted sitting with frequent, short bouts of light-intensity physical activity has an immediate positive effect on blood pressure and plasma clotting factors in healthy, overweight, and type 2 diabetic populations. AIM: We examined the effect of frequent, short bouts of light-intensity physical activity on blood pressure and plasma fibrinogen in stroke survivors. METHODS: Prespecified secondary analyses from a three-armed randomized, within-participant, crossover trial. Participants were 19 stroke survivors (nine female, aged 68 years old, 90% able to walk independently). The experimental conditions were sitting for 8 h uninterrupted, sitting with 3 min bouts of light-intensity exercise while standing every 30 min, or sitting with 3 min of walking every 30 min. Blood pressure was measured every 30 min over 8 h and plasma fibrinogen at the beginning, middle, and end of each day. Intention-to-treat analyses were performed using linear mixed models including fixed effects for condition, period, and order, and a random intercept for participant to account for repeated measures and missing data. RESULTS: Sitting with 3 min bouts of light-intensity exercise while standing every 30 min decreased systolic blood pressure by 3.5 mmHg (95% CI 1.7-5.4) compared with sitting for 8 h uninterrupted. For participants not taking antihypertensive medications, sitting with 3 min of walking every 30 min decreased systolic blood pressure by 5.0 mmHg (95% CI -7.9 to 2.0) and sitting with 3 min bouts light-intensity exercise while standing every 30 min decreased systolic blood pressure by 4.2 mmHg (95% CI -7.2 to -1.3) compared with sitting for 8 h uninterrupted. There was no effect of condition on diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.45) or plasma fibrinogen levels (p = 0.91). CONCLUSION: Frequent, short bouts of light-intensity physical activity decreases systolic blood pressure in stroke survivors. However, before translation into clinical practice, the optimal duration and timing of physical activity bouts needs to be determined. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry http://www.anzctr.org.au ANZTR12615001189516.