The Relationship Between Physical Activity Levels and Pain Coping Strategies among Stroke Survivors of Bangladesh : a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a major global cause of permanent impairment and carriages serious rehabilitation difficulties, especially in countries with limited resources like Bangladesh. Although physical activity (PA) is essential for enhancing functional results, chronic pain and inappropriate coping mechanisms frequently reduce its efficacy. Developing knowledge of the relationship between PA levels and pain coping strategies can help improve recovery outcomes and offer important insights into rehabilitation planning. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity levels and pain coping strategies among stroke survivors in Bangladesh. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out with 128 stroke survivors from Bangladeshi rehabilitation facilities. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) measured physical activity levels, while the Pain Coping Inventory (PCI) measured pain coping strategies. Additionally, information was gathered on sociodemographic traits, duration of rehabilitation, the severity of the pain, the duration of the stroke and many more. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Spearman’s correlation, and multiple linear regression, were performed using SPSS version 20. Results: According to the results, 65.6% of participants experienced moderate PA, 32.0% had low PA, and only 2.3% had high PA. Compared to active coping techniques (mean: 25.32 ± 3.72), passive coping strategies were more common (mean: 51.14 ± 6.45). Active coping and PA were significantly positively linked (r = 0.383, p < 0.01), whereas pain intensity (r = -0.331, p < 0.01) and passive coping (r = -0.356, p < 0.01) were adversely correlated with PA. According to regression analysis, pain intensity had a negative impact on PA (B = -125.47, p = 0.004), while active coping mechanisms significantly predicted greater PA levels (B = 57.34, p = 0.001). Weaker favorable relationships with PA were seen for other parameters, including the duration of rehabilitation and the duration of the stroke. Conclusion: This study emphasizes how important active coping mechanisms are for raising PA levels and boosting stroke survivors' chances of recovery. On the other hand, physical activity and recovery were severely hampered by the dependence on passive techniques and untreated pain. The results emphasize the necessity of specialized rehabilitation programs that incorporate culturally sensitive therapies, adaptive coping mechanisms, and active pain management measures. In resource-constrained environments like Bangladesh, these programs can help stroke survivors regain their independence, increase their functionality, and improve their general quality of life by treating both psychological and physical aspects. Keywords: Stroke, Physical Activity, Pain Coping Strategies, Rehabilitation, Pain Management, Bangladesh.