Pre-stroke physical activity in relation to post-stroke outcomes linked to the international classification of functioning, disability and health: a scoping review

Objective: This scoping review aims to identify how pre-stroke physical activity has been studied in relation to outcomes after stroke using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. Methods: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and grey literature databases were systematically searched from inception to 15 March 2021, with no language restrictions. Risk of bias was evaluated for all included studies. Identified outcome measures were linked to ICF components using linking rules, and the main findings were summarized. Results: Of 3,664 records screened, 35 studies were included. The risk of bias was graded as moderate to critical for all studies. A total of 60 unique outcome measures were identified, covering the hyperacute to chronic phases of stroke recovery. Outcome measures linked to body functions were most common (n = 19), followed by activities and participation (n = 14), body structures (n = 7), environmental factors (n = 4) and personal factors (n = 2). The majority of studies collected data on pre-stroke physical activity retrospectively, and no study used objective methods to measure physical activity. Only one study analysed haemorrhagic cases separately. Conclusion: Pre-stroke physical activity has been studied in relation to a variety of outcome measures linked to ICF after stroke. However, this review highlights the high risk of bias, and limited quality of the current literature.