Enhancing physical activity and augmenting upper limb function in sedentary stroke survivors: the transformative impact of chair transitions

BMJ Case Rep. 2024 Jul 10;17(7):e259080. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2023-259080.

Abstract

In post-stroke individuals with walking difficulties, prolonged sitting can lead to increased mortality. Interventions targeting increased physical activity for these individuals are limited. Consequently, many such stroke survivors become reliant on wheelchairs, leading to prolonged inactivity. This report highlights a case where a chronic stroke patient, with walking challenges, was transitioned from a wheelchair to regular chair sitting by nursing staff in a facility lacking specialised rehabilitation professionals. This simple act of transitioning from a wheelchair to a chair during daily routines led to improvements in the patient's physical activity and upper limb functionality and reduced the need for help during meals.

Keywords: Medical management; Rehabilitation medicine; Stroke.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Exercise* / physiology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Sedentary Behavior
  • Sitting Position
  • Stroke / physiopathology
  • Stroke Rehabilitation* / methods
  • Survivors
  • Upper Extremity* / physiopathology
  • Wheelchairs*