Unravelling perceived fatigue and activity pacing in maintaining a physically active lifestyle after stroke rehabilitation: a longitudinal cohort study.

Three fatigue trajectories after stroke rehabilitation were identified. High levels of HR-QoL and physical activity before discharge identified people in the low fatigue trajectory. A physically active lifestyle after rehabilitation was associated with low perceived fatigue and perceived risk of overactivity.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONSince almost 80% of people after stroke in this study perceived severe fatigue up to 1 year after stroke rehabilitation, activities focusing on the management of fatigue symptoms should be integrated in general stroke rehabilitation.In clinical practice, low levels of health-related quality of life and low levels of self-reported physical activity before discharge from stroke rehabilitation should be considered by rehabilitation professionals (e.g., physicians, physiotherapists, and physical activity counsellors) since these characteristics can predict chronic perceived fatigue up to 1 year after stroke rehabilitation.A physical activity counselling programme delivered during and after stroke rehabilitation may be improved by incorporating tailored advice regarding the management of fatigue.