Work of breathing and lung volume during forward leaning supported by the upper limbs.

This study compared work of breathing (WOB) and the pressure time product (PTP) to verify whether WOB and PTP decrease in the forward-leaning posture compared with erect sitting. Seven healthy adults (two females and five males) adopted three sitting postures: upright, and two forward-leaning postures of 15° and 30°. The WOB was obtained using the modified Campbell diagram, and PTP was calculated as the time integral of the area between esophageal and chest wall pressure. End-expiratory lung volume and transpulmonary pressure were significantly increased in the 15° and 30° forward-leaning postures compared with erect sitting (p â‰¦ 0.05). End-inspiratory lung volume was significantly increased in the 30° forward-leaning posture compared to erect sitting (p â‰¦ 0.05). PTP and inspiratory resistive WOB were significantly lower in the 15° and 30° forward-leaning postures compared to erect sitting (p â‰¦ 0.05). Forward leaning increases lung volume, which may dilate the airways, decrease resistant WOB, and reduce respiratory muscle activity.

Daily steps are associated with walking ability in hospitalized patients with sub-acute stroke.

Increased physical activity is required in patients with stroke that are hospitalized in the rehabilitation unit. This study investigated the association between the daily number of steps and walking independence in order to determine the cutoff value of daily number of steps that can predict walking independence in hospitalized patients with sub-acute stroke. This cross-sectional observational study included 85 stroke patients admitted to the rehabilitation unit. The average daily number of steps was measured using Fitbit One for 4 days starting at 30 days after stroke onset. 6-min walk test, and Fugl-Meyer assessment of the lower extremities were measured The category of walking independence was classified using the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC). The subjects were divided into two groups according to the FAC score: a walking independence group (FAC ≥ 4) and a walking non-independence group (FAC ≤ 3). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the association of daily number of steps with walking independence and a receiver operating characteristic curve was used to identify the cutoff value of daily number of steps for predicting walking independence. The daily number of steps (per 1000 steps) was independently associated with walking independence (odds ratio (OR); 2.53, 95% confidence interval (CI); 1.40-5.73, p = 0.009). The cutoff value of daily number of steps for predicting independent walking was 4286 steps (area under the curve = 0.914, sensitivity of 0.731, and specificity of 0.949). The daily number of steps was associated with independent walking in hospitalized patients with sub-acute stroke. The daily number of steps may be a useful target in rehabilitation for patients with sub-acute stroke.

Different association between physical activity and physical function according to walking independence in hospital-based rehabilitation program patients with sub-acute stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between physical activity and physical function in ambulatory independent and non-independent patients with sub-acute stroke during hospitalization. METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study included 107 patients with stroke admitted to a rehabilitation unit. The average daily number of steps taken was considered as physical activity. Physical function was assessed using the 6 min walk test (6MWT), lower limb Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), and Berg balance scale (BBS). Walking independence was assessed using the functional ambulation category (FAC). The subjects were divided into a walking independence group (FAC ≥ 4) and a non-independence group (FAC ≤ 3). Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between the daily number of steps and physical function in each group. RESULTS: The daily number of steps (p < 0.001), lower limb FMA (p < 0.001), 6MWT (p < 0.001), and BBS (p < 0.001) were higher in the independent walking group than in the non-walking group. The daily number of steps in the walking independence group was significantly associated with the 6MWT (standard ß = 0.489, p = 0.039). In the non-independence group, the daily number of steps was significantly associated with the BBS (standard ß = 0.594, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Physical activity was associated with walking endurance in patients with ambulatory independence, even though it was associated with balance function in patients with non-ambulatory independence.

Effects of postural differences on intrapleural pressure during chest wall compression in healthy males.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the difference in intrapleural pressure between the supine and lateral decubitus positions during manual chest wall compression. [Participants and Methods] Eight healthy males participated in this study. The same physiotherapist performed chest wall compression on participants lying supine, and on their right and left sides. We noted changes in intrapleural pressure and lung volume in each participant during quiet breathing and chest wall compression. [Results] During chest wall compression, intrapleural pressure at the end-expiratory lung volume and the end-inspiratory lung volume were lower in the right and left decubitus positions than in the supine position. We observed the following low inflection points in the pressure-volume loops during chest wall compression: all participants in the supine position, no participants in the right decubitus position, and two participants in the left decubitus position. [Conclusion] Chest wall compression in the bilateral decubitus positions may not cause excessive intrapleural pressure on the airway and alveoli as compared to chest wall compression in the supine position.

Reliability and validity of measuring temporal muscle thickness as the evaluation of sarcopenia risk and the relationship with functional outcome in older patients with acute stroke.

BACKGROUND: Pre-stroke sarcopenia associated with poor functional outcomes. However, diagnosis of pre-stroke sarcopenia is often difficult in patients with acute stroke. Thus, we investigated the reliability and validity of measuring temporal muscle thickness (TMT) as an indicator of sarcopenia risk and its relationship with functional outcome in older patients with acute stroke. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional and longitudinal study of the patients with acute elderly stroke in a single neurosurgical hospital. We measured TMT manually using brain computed tomography (CT) by two examiners. Sarcopenia risk, malnutrition risk, inflammation, comorbidities, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 3 months after stroke were additionally assessed. Inter-rater reliability of TMT was determined by calculating the intra-class correlation coefficient ([ICC] 2,1). Multiple linear regression analyses was used to determine whether sarcopenia risk was independently associated with TMT, and logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between TMT and poor functional outcome (mRS > 3). RESULTS: A total 289 acute elderly stroke patients (163 men and 126 women; mean age: 76 years) were enrolled in this study. Regarding the reproducibility of TMT, good reliability was found; ICC2,1 = 0.759 (95 % confidence interval = 0.705-0.804). Multiple linear regression analyses for TMT after adjusting for potential confounders showed that sarcopenia risk was independently associated with TMT in older patients with acute stroke (ß = -0.138, p = 0.02). After adjusting for variables, disease severity and comorbidities were the only independent predictors for poor functional outcome, but not TMT. CONCLUSIONS: TMT measurement using brain CT is a reliable and variable method to evaluate sarcopenia risk, but is not related to functional outcome in older patients with acute stroke.

Sarcopenia risk and diabetes mellitus are independent factors for lower limb muscle strength in older patients with acute stroke: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Lower extremity (LE) muscle strength is an important factor for functional outcome in patients with stroke. However, to our knowledge, the factors influencing LE muscle strength in older patients with acute stroke have not been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between prestroke sarcopenia risk and comorbidities with LE muscle strength in older patients with acute stroke. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we assessed LE muscle strength using the Motricity IUndex (MI), and prestroke sarcopenia risk using SARC-F, a questionnaire for sarcopenia. Multivariate regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship of MI with sarcopenia risk, neurologic deficit assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and comorbidities in these patients. RESULTS: We enrolled 223 patients aged 65 and over with acute stroke (127 men and 96 women; mean age 76 y). Multivariate analyses for MI after adjusting for potential confounders, NIHSS score, diabetes mellitus, and the presence of sarcopenia risk were independently and negatively associated with MI in older patients with stroke (ß = -0.775, P < 0.001; ß = -0109, P = 0.010; ß = -0.097, P = 0.030, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Prestroke sarcopenia and diabetes mellitus are associated with LE muscle strength in older patients with acute stroke, and these assessments would be useful for clinicians.

Work of breathing during arm bracing in normal male subjects.

OBJECTIVE: Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients get relief from their dyspnea by arm bracing, the mechanics of this effect are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which arm bracing affects dyspnea by measuring the work of breathing (WOB) in the arm bracing posture. METHODS: Six normal male subjects were studied in two standing postures: erect and with their arms braced. For the arm bracing posture, the subjects leaned forward with their arms stretched and rested their hands on a platform. Respiratory frequency was set at 20 tidal breaths/min with the use of a metronome, and tidal volume was set at 1 L by observing the lung volume on a monitor. All the subjects randomly adopted the two postures, and a preset respiratory pattern was measured for 30 s in each posture. Lung volume and flow rate were measured using a hot-wire flowmeter. Esophageal pressure was measured using a 12-cm balloon catheter. The WOB was estimated using modified Campbell diagrams. RESULTS: Lung volume increased and inspiratory resistive WOB decreased, while inspiratory elastic WOB increased significantly with arm bracing compared with that of the erect posture (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Arm bracing posture increases the chest wall expansion thereby increasing the end-expiratory lung volume and decreasing the inspiratory resistive WOB among healthy individuals.

Pre-Stroke Frailty and Stroke Severity in Elderly Patients with Acute Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: Frailty is a major problem in super-aged societies. Because frailty assessments are largely unstudied in acute stroke settings, few reports have evaluated the association between pre-stroke frailty and stroke severity. The aim of this study was to determine the association between pre-stroke frailty and stroke severity in elderly patients with acute stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled consecutive elderly patients with acute stroke. We assessed stroke severity with the National Institutes of Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and pre-stroke frailty with a Frailty Screening Index in elderly patients with acute stroke. Patients were divided according to their Frailty Screening Index: the robust group, pre-frailty group, and frailty group. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine whether pre-stroke frailty was independently associated with NIHSS score. RESULTS: In total, 234 elderly patients with acute stroke (age: 75.7 years; 149 men, 85 women) were enrolled in this study. Of these, the robust group comprised 76 patients, the pre-frailty group comprised 129 patients, and the frailty group comprised 29 patients. The prevalence of pre-stroke frailty was 12.4%. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that pre-stroke pre-frailty and frailty were significantly associated with NIHSS score (pre-frailty; ß = 1.191, P = .005, frailty; ß = 1.708, P = .009). CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicated that the pre-stroke frailty was significantly associated with stroke severity in elderly patients with acute stroke. Additional study is needed to clarify the association between pre-stroke frailty and post-stroke prognosis.

Peripheral motor nerve conduction abnormality, muscle strength, and muscle wasting in patients with acute stroke: A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke-related muscle wasting are important therapeutic targets to reduce disability in patients with stroke. Peripheral nerve conduction impairment is one reported factor that causes muscle wasting in these patients, but muscle strength, muscle wasting, and peripheral nerve conduction abnormality have not been examined in patients with acute stroke. We therefore investigated changes in lower-leg motor nerve conduction, muscle strength, and muscle wasting in patients with acute stroke. METHODS: Patients with acute stroke were recruited. Their motor conduction velocity (MCV) and compound motor action potential (CMAP) amplitude in both sides of the common peroneal nerve, and lower paretic leg muscle strength by the Motricity Index (MI) and quadriceps muscle thickness (QMT) on both sides were measured at the time of admission and again 2 weeks later. RESULTS: Eighteen patients with acute stroke (median [interquartile range], age = 68 [14] years; female = 4 [22%]) were enrolled. The MCV and CMAP amplitude were not significantly different between limbs. The QMT was significantly reduced in paretic (P = 0.014) and non-paretic (P = 0.003) limbs, but the lower paretic leg MI was increased (P = 0.0.001). There was a significant correlation between % differences in CMAP amplitude and % differences in QMT in the paretic limb (R = 0.604, P = 0.008), but not in the non-paretic limb (R = 0.225, P = 0.369). CONCLUSIONS: Lower-leg muscle wasting was associated with the change in CMAP amplitude in paretic limbs, but not in non-paretic limbs, in patients with acute stroke.

Non-paretic lower limb muscle wasting during acute phase is associated with dependent ambulation in patients with stroke.

BACKGROUND: Muscle wasting in patients with stroke is a factor for a poor functional outcome. However, there have been few studies on the relationships between lower limb muscle wasting during the acute phase and dependent ambulation. This study examined whether lower limb muscle wasting during the acute phase is associated with the dependent ambulation status at 3 months after stroke. METHODS: In this observational cohort study, we measured the quadriceps muscle thickness in the paretic and non-paretic limbs within 1 and 3 weeks after admission using ultrasonography in non-ambulatory patients with acute stroke. Patients were categorized into two groups based on their ambulation ability: dependent, functional ambulation category (FAC) 0-3 and independent, FAC 4-5) at 3 months after stroke. RESULTS: In total, 55 patients were included and completed follow-up, and 28 patients (51%) had an ambulation status of dependent at 3 months after stroke. Significant differences in muscle wasting were observed in the non-paretic limb (-5.5% [8.7%] : -16.8% [13.6%], independent group: dependent group, respectively, P < 0.001), but not in the paretic limb (-15.0% [14.3%] : -18.7% [15.1%], P = 0.36). Even after adjusting for covariates, muscle wasting in the non-paretic limb was a significant independent predictor of dependent ambulation (adjusted odds ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.76-0.99, P = 0.033). CONCLUSION: Post-stroke muscle wasting in the non-paretic lower limb during the acute phase is independently associated with dependent ambulation after stroke.

Recovery process of respiratory muscle strength in patients following stroke: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the recovery process of respiratory muscle strength during 3 months following stroke, and to investigate the association of change in respiratory muscle strength and physical functions. Additionally, we compared respiratory muscle strength with those of healthy subjects. METHOD: In this prospective, observational study, 19 stroke patients and 19 healthy subjects were enrolled. Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), motricity index, trunk control test, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and functional independence measure were assessed at 1, 2, and 3 months from stroke onset in stroke patients. MIP and MEP were assessed at arbitrary times in healthy subjects. Repeated one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post-hoc test was used to compare the change in respiratory muscle strength in each period in stroke patients. Pearson's correlation coefficient was computed for changes in respiratory muscle strength and physical functions. Student's t-test was used to compare respiratory muscle strength between stroke patients at 3 months from onset and healthy subjects. RESULTS: MIP was significantly increased at 3 months compared to 1 month. MEP was significantly increased in 2 months and 3 months, compared to 1 month. MIP changes associated with 6MWT changes. Compared to healthy subjects, MIP and MEP at 3 months were significantly lower in stroke patients. CONCLUSION: Respiratory muscle strength significantly increased during 3 months following stroke. However, the trend of recovery may be different. MIP changes may associated with walking endurance changes. During 3 months following stroke, respiratory muscle strength did not recover to healthy subjects.

Association of Health Utility Score with Physical Activity Outcomes in Stroke Survivors.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after stroke tends to vary across studies or across stages of stroke. It is useful to use the health utility score to compare HRQoL across studies. Physical activity after stroke also tends to vary similarly. The purpose of the present study was to determine associations between the health utility score and physical activity outcomes in stroke survivors. This cross-sectional study recruited stroke survivors who could ambulate outside, free of assistance. We assessed the health utility score with the EuroQoL 5-Dimension 3-Level questionnaire. The physical activity outcomes were the number of steps taken and duration of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as measured with an accelerometer. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine whether the physical activity outcomes were independently associated with the health utility score. Fifty patients (age: 68.0 years; 40 men, 10 women) were included. Multiple linear regression analysis showed the health utility score to be significantly associated with the number of steps taken (ß = 0.304, p = 0.035) but not with MVPA. This is the first study to examine the association between the health utility score and objectively measured physical activity in stroke survivors. Promoting physical activity especially by increasing the number of steps taken might be a priority goal in improving a patient's health utility score after stroke.

Reference value of 6-minute walk distance in patients with sub-acute stroke.

BACKGROUND: The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) has strong-to-moderate evidence to assess changes in walking distance for adults with neurologic conditions undergoing rehabilitation. However, the reference value of 6MWT distance according to walking ability and the cutoff value of walking independence in stroke patients in the rehabilitation unit has not been presented. OBJECTIVES: To present the reference value of 6MWT distance depending on walking ability and determine the cutoff value of walking independence in stroke patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study included 110 stroke patients admitted to the rehabilitation unit within 30 days from stroke onset. 6MWT was used to assess the walking ability at 30 days from stroke onset. Walking ability was classified using the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC). Reference value of 6MWT distance was presented for each walking ability according to FAC score. One-way analysis of variance was computed to investigate 6MWT distance according to walking ability. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to identify the cutoff value of 6MWT for walking independence. RESULTS: 6MWT distances for each walking ability were as follows: FAC 2 was 141.8 m, FAC 3 was 224.5 m, FAC 4 was 352.6 m, and FAC 5 was 448.8 m (p < .001). Cutoff value of 6MWT for walking independence was 304 m (area under curve = 0.905, sensitivity of 0.833, specificity of 0.900). CONCLUSION: 6MWT distance was found to be longer with better walking ability. A distance of 304 m during 6MWT might be useful for judging walking independence in stroke patients.

Association of Perceived Built Environment Attributes with Objectively Measured Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling Ambulatory Patients with Stroke.

There is little evidence on how perceptions of the built environment may influence physical activity among post-stroke patients. This study aimed to explore the associations between perceived built environment attributes and objectively measured physical activity outcomes in community-dwelling ambulatory patients with stroke. This cross-sectional study recruited patients who could walk outside without assistance. We assessed both objectively measured physical activity outcomes such as number of steps and duration of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with an accelerometer and the patients' perceived surrounding built environment with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Environmental Module. Sixty-one patients (67.0 years old) were included. The multiple linear regression analysis showed significant associations of the presence of sidewalks (ß = 0.274, p = 0.016) and access to recreational facilities (ß = 0.284, p = 0.010) with the number of steps taken (adjusted R2 = 0.33). In contrast, no significant associations were found between perceived built environment attributes and MVPA. These findings may help to suggest an approach to promote appropriate physical activity in patients with stroke depending on their surrounding built environment.

Prestroke sarcopenia and functional outcomes in elderly patients who have had an acute stroke: A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The association between prestroke sarcopenia and functional outcomes in patients who have had a stroke has not, to our knowledge, been evaluated to date. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of prestroke sarcopenia, and determine whether prestroke sarcopenia is associated with functional outcomes in elderly patients who have suffered an acute stroke. METHODS: We assessed prestroke sarcopenia in elderly patients with acute stroke using the SARC-F questionnaire. Patients were divided into two groups according to their SARC-F score: non-sarcopenia (SARC-F score <4) and prestroke sarcopenia (SARC-F score ≥4). The study endpoint was the modified Rankin Scale score at 3 mo after the stroke (0-3, good outcome; 4-6, poor outcome). The Mann-Whitney U-test, Pearson χ2 test, Fisher exact test, and logistic regression were used in the statistical analyses. RESULTS: Of the 152 patients (81 men; median age [interquartile range]: 76 [11] y) enrolled, the prevalence rate of prestroke sarcopenia was 18% (27 patients). These 27 patients showed poor functional outcome at 3 mo after the stroke (50% versus 12%, prestroke sarcopenia versus nonsarcopenia; P < 0.001). After adjusting for variables, prestroke sarcopenia was an independent predictor of poor functional outcome at 3 mo after stroke (odds ratios: 7.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.47-37.21, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Prestroke sarcopenia is an independent predictor of functional outcome at 3 mo after a stroke. Our findings highlight the importance of detecting prestroke sarcopenia in elderly patients with acute stroke.

Association of renal function with ambulation in mild acute stroke patients.

Background: Renal dysfunction has affected the functional outcome after stroke. However, the association of renal function with walking endurance after stroke is poorly understood. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between renal function and walking endurance and speed in mild acute stroke patients. Methods: Eighty-nine patients with mild acute stroke were enrolled. Walking endurance and speed were assessed by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and comfortable and maximal 10-meter walk tests (10MWT) within 7 days of hospital admission. Stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) on admission. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated based on creatinine levels as a renal function. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated between eGFR and walking ability. Multivariate regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between eGFR and walking ability in mild acute stroke patients. Results: The 6MWT distance was significantly correlated with eGFR (r = 0.212, p = .046). On multivariate regression analysis, the 6MWT was significantly associated with age (p = .029), body mass index (p = .020), NIHSS score (p = .016), and eGFR (p = .028), whereas the comfortable 10MWT was significantly associated with the NIHSS score alone (p = .009) and the maximal 10MWT was significantly associated with age (p = .032) and NIHSS score (p = .007). Conclusion: The eGFR based on creatinine levels of acute stroke patients may be important factor to predict the walking endurance in mild acute stroke patients.

Prestroke Sarcopenia and Stroke Severity in Elderly Patients with Acute Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: The association between prestroke sarcopenia and stroke severity has not been evaluated previously. The purpose of this study was to determine whether prestroke sarcopenia is associated with stroke severity in elderly patients with acute stroke. METHODS: We assessed prestroke sarcopenia of elderly patients with acute stroke by using a questionnaire for sarcopenia (SARC-F). Patients were divided into groups according to their SARC-F score: SARC-F score less than 4 (nonsarcopenia) and SARC-F score ≥4 (prestroke sarcopenia). Stroke severity was assessed according to the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. Logistic regression was used to derive crude and adjusted odds ratio for the presence of prestroke sarcopenia and stroke severity. RESULTS: Among the 183 patients enrolled (age, median [interquartile range]: 75 [11] years; 103 men), the prevalence of prestroke sarcopenia was 15% (n = 27). Crude odds ratio for the presence of prestroke sarcopenia and moderate-to-severe stroke (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score > 5) was 4.00 (95% confidence interval, 1.68-9.53; P = .002). After adjusting for confounding variables (age, sex, and stroke risk factors), the presence of prestroke sarcopenia remained an independent predictor of severe stroke, with an odds ratio of 3.54 (95% confidence interval, 1.32-9.49; P= .01). CONCLUSIONS: Prestroke sarcopenia can predict moderate to severe stroke in elderly patients with acute stroke.

Long-Term Effect of Promoting In-Hospital Physical Activity on Postdischarge Patients with Mild Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Although there are reports on the promotion of physical activity during hospitalization, there is no evidence that promoting in-hospital physical activity continues over time after discharge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term effect of promoting in-hospital physical activity on postdischarge physical activity and self-efficacy for physical activity in patients with mild ischemic stroke. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of a post hoc analysis of a previous randomized controlled trial. Patients with mild ischemic stroke were divided into the intervention group (in which physical activity was promoted during hospitalization) and a control group. To promote in-hospital physical activity, patients in the intervention group were instructed in the self-monitoring approach. After discharge, we measured physical activity and self-efficacy for physical activity by mailing a questionnaire to the patients. The average number of steps taken was used the index of postdischarge physical activity. RESULTS: The study sample comprised 30 patients, with 13 patients in the intervention group and 17 patients in the control group. There were no significant differences in physical activity values (6176.8 versus 6112.8 steps/day, P = .932) and self-efficacy for physical activity score (66.0 versus 76.0 points, P = .801) between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the promotion of in-hospital physical activity did not appear to increase physical activity and self-efficacy for physical activity in patients with mild ischemic stroke after discharge. Additional study is needed to establish a more specific approach to promote physical activity during hospitalization that will carry over during long-term follow-up.

Physical Activity, Physical Function, and Quadriceps Muscle Thickness in Male Patients with Sub-Acute Stroke during Hospitalization: A Pilot Study.

Increasing physical activity (PA) is an important rehabilitation target for patients with sub-acute stroke during hospitalization in order to recover physical function and prevent stroke recurrence. However, the characteristics of low PA in stroke patients during hospitalization who were targets for increased intervention have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the daily number of steps and physical function and quadriceps muscle thickness (QMT) in patients with sub-acute stroke during hospitalization for convalescence rehabilitation. Twenty-nine patients with ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke (mean age, 69 ± 11 years) hospitalized for inpatient convalescent rehabilitation were included. PA was measured using a three-dimensional accelerometer that calculates the daily number of steps taken. Physical function was measured by a short physical performance battery (SPPB; 0-12 points) and the leg motor selectivity score (6 motor stages defined by Brunnstrom), and the QMT of both legs was measured using ultrasonography. PA was significantly correlated with the SPPB score (r = 0.63, p = 0.0002), QMT on the paretic side (r = 0.41, p = 0.02), and QMT on non-paretic side (r = 0.56, p = 0.002). There were no significant effects of the leg motor selectivity score on daily PA (F = 1.37, p = 0.27). In the multiple regression analysis, only the SPPB score showed significant linear regression (ß = 0.44, p = 0.02). PA in male patients with sub-acute stroke during hospitalization was related to physical function and QMT and not with the severity of paresis.