Potential Moderating Role of Upper Extremity Activity on Metabolic Effects of Sedentary Behavior in People With Stroke

In light of recent PTJ articles on sedentary behavior,^1–3 I want to begin a discussion about the potential moderating role of upper extremity (UE) activity on the metabolic effects of sedentary behavior in people with stroke. A great deal of research has demonstrated the cardiovascular and metabolic benefits of physical activity,⁴ resulting in poststroke physical activity and exercise recommendations⁵ to counter the low levels of physical activity observed in people with stroke.^6,7 In recent years, sedentary behavior, defined as low energy expenditure while sitting or lying down,² has received increasing attention because sedentary behavior affects lipid and glucose metabolism independent of physical activity.⁸ Because decreased sedentary behavior is associated with decreased metabolic risk,⁹ interventions to decrease sitting behavior and increase standing and leisure-based physical activity have been promoted.^1,10 For …