Sleep-wake rhythm and physical fitness in relation to activities of daily living in stroke survivors residing at home

To clarify the relationship between sleep-wake rhythm, physical fitness, and competence level of elderly stroke survivors living at home, thirty- seven stroke survivors living at home (65.4 ± 7.3 years) voluntarily participated in a cross-sectional study with an interview survey and measurement of physical fitness. All subjects lived in a community and received community home health care services. Sleep-wake rhythm and competence were evaluated by the questionnaire method. Physical fitness in relation to daily living activities was measured by both the time needed to walk 10 meters and that needed to stand up from bed rest position. There was a significant positive correlation between rising time and the 10 meter walking time. Regarding rising time and the competence score, there was a significant negative correlation. Stroke survivors who actively participated in community activities arose earlier than those who had a negative attitude toward participation in community activities. The sleep-wake rhythm, especially rising time, and the participation in community activities were related to the high competence level of stroke survivors living at home. Strengthening the synchronization of the sleep-wake rhythm and increasing the social network may serve as useful procedures to improve the competence of stroke survivors living at home.