Assessment of habitual physical activity and paretic arm mobility among stroke survivors by accelerometry.

A major goal for many stroke survivors is a return to ambulatory activities, but there is not much known about the physical activity profiles of stroke survivors. Improved function in the paretic arm is also a major goal of rehabilitation, but there are few good measures of daily arm use. Accelerometers are devices that measure body movements in terms of acceleration. Accelerometers have been found to be useful indicators of movement in a number of studies involving different patient populations. They are able to detect habitual physical activity levels in subjects with low levels or activity and altered gait patterns. Different systems of multiple accelerometers have been used successfully to detect arm usage in individuals with hemiparesis from stroke, as well as with other disabilities that affect the upper extremities.