Physical activity levels do not meet guidelines following stroke. Time spent inactive and sedentary is high at all times. Increasing PA and developing standardized activity targets may be important across all stages of stroke recovery.

Physical activity measurement is highly variable following stroke and better definition of physical activity outcomes would enhance the field. Accelerometry and behavioural mapping are most commonly used to measure physical activity following stroke, each have advantages and disadvantages depending on the setting and the outcome of interest. There is no single device ideal for clinical application for people following stroke.

Only four small RCTs with 274 participants (three in inpatient rehabilitation and one in the community) have examined the efficacy of activity monitors for increasing physical activity after stroke. Although these studies showed activity monitors could be incorporated into practice, there is currently not enough evidence to support the use of activity monitors to increase physical activity after stroke.