Exercise capacity early after stroke.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate exercise capacity of patients with a poststroke interval of less than 1 month.


METHODS
Prospective, cohort, observational study.


METHODS
Exercise testing laboratory in a tertiary care hospital.


METHODS
Twenty-nine patients (mean age +/- standard deviation, 64.9+/-13.5 y) with a poststroke interval of 26.0+/-8.8 days.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Peak exercise capacity (VO(2)peak) was measured by open-circuit spirometry during maximal effort treadmill walking with 15% body-weight support.


RESULTS
Mean VO(2)peak was 14.4+/-5.1 mL. kg(-1). min(-1) or 60%+/-16% of age- and sex-related normative values for sedentary healthy adults.


CONCLUSIONS
Exercise capacity approximately 1 month after stroke was compromised. Further research is needed to elucidate the physiologic basis of this low capacity.
Mackay-Lyons
Marilyn J
MJ
School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada. m.mackay-lyons@dal.ca
Makrides
Lydia
L
D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013147:Spirometry; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013997:Time Factors