Inflated perceptions of physical activity after stroke: pairing self-report with physiologic measures.

Background: Self-report measures of physical activity have well-known drawbacks, and physiologic measures alone do not account for behavioral variables important in the perception and performance of physical activity. Therefore, we considered multiple measures to quantify physical activity in community-dwelling men and women with chronic stroke.

Methods: This analysis included data from a volunteer sample of 87 individuals at least 6 months poststroke. Physical activity was measured using self-report questionnaires, step activity monitors, self-efficacy expectations related to exercise, and VO(2)peak from treadmill testing, and a model of physical activity was tested.

Results: Most of the variance in objective physical activity was explained by VO(2)peak, and most of the variance in subjective physical activity was explained by self-efficacy expectations. There were significant discrepancies between subjective and objective findings.

Conclusion: This study helps to understand the perspective of stroke survivors with regard to physical activity.