Abstract
Objective: This study was designed to determine whether physical activity levels and perceived depression levels were correlated in the post-stroke, geriatric population in the inpatient setting. Background: The literature reviewed in preparation for this study appears to provide strong evidence for a relationship between physical activity and depression levels with the majority indicating that a decrease in depression is correlated with an increase in physical activity. However, there is no conclusive research to indicate there is a correlation between post-stroke depression and physical activity, specifically in the acute phase of recovery post-stroke and involving older adult populations (>65 years old). Further research is necessary in order to explore this potential correlation and quantify it in such a way that it can influence post-stroke aftercare for those with depression. Methods: This study was a correlational quantitative research design consisting of eleven participants whose inpatient stay at Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging and Rehabilitation post-stroke was monitored from start to finish. The variables of interest collected over the patients' length of stay included depression levels as monitored by the Geriatric Depression Scale score and physical activity levels tracked by both the FitBit Charge and the Camntech Motionwatch-8. Results: Of the eleven participants, only seven viable data sets were able to be included in the study due to various influencing factors. Data analysis revealed no increase in physical activity and no decrease in depression levels over the patients' length of stay. Although the patient's level of functional independence (FIM) did improve, the two variables of interest did not trend in their anticipated manner. Therefore, the Pearson's Correlation run using the patients' daily steps and Geriatric Depression Scale scores did not yield any significant relationship between the variables as noted at this point in patient recovery. Conclusions: The anticipated outcome for this study was disproven due to the absence of correlation observed between physical activity and depression levels in the geriatric, inpatient post-stroke population. However, the present study provides a basis from which to guide future studies regarding this specific population for the purpose of improving rehabilitation approaches to incorporate mental as well as physical patient health in the plan of care.