COMPARATIVE VALIDITY OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SCALE FOR ELDERLY WITH AN ACCELEROMETER IN PATIENTS WITH STROKE

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the validity of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly in stroke patients by comparing its scores with activity data derived from an accelerometer. Materials and Method: Twenty-five patients with stroke who walked independently or with an assistive device were included in the study. An accelerometer was held on participants' non-paretic hips on Monday-Friday, and data were collected during three valid weekdays: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. To evaluate validity, accelerometer-derived physical activity data and the Stroke Impact Scale were used. Results: A statistically significant moderate correlation was found between the Physical Activity Scale for Elderly and activity counts during moderate physical activity (Spearman correlation rho = 0.43, p = 0.03), energy expenditure during moderate activity, and total step count (rho = 0.41, p = 0.04; rho = 0.45, p = 0.03; rho = 0.45, p = 0.03; consecutively), while no significant correlations were found between Physical Activity Scale for Elderly score and total activity counts and activity counts during sedentary, light activity, or total energy expenditure (p >0.05). There was a moderately positive, statistically significant correlation between PASE and Stroke Impact Scale scores (rho = 0.49, p = 0.01) showing convergent validity. Conclusions: There is uncertainty about the validity of the Physical Activity Scale for Elderly for specifically reflecting total, light, and sedentary activity. Physical Activity Scale for Elderly was not designed to be used to measure and evaluate different physical activity levels. Accelerometers enabled an assessment of the amount and intensity of physical activity. The findings of this study support the use of accelerometers for assessing physical activity in patients with stroke rather than Physical Activity Scale if these factors are importantly considered.