Relationship between ambulatory capacity and cardiorespiratory fitness in chronic stroke: influence of stroke-specific impairments.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the following in individuals with chronic stroke: (1) the relationship between the maximal oxygen consumption (Vo(2)max) during cycle ergometry and the distance covered in the 6-min walk test (6MWT), and (2) the stroke-specific impairments that are important determinants for the 6MWT distance.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study using a convenience sample.


METHODS
Exercise testing laboratory in a tertiary rehabilitation center.


METHODS
Sixty-three older adults (mean age +/- SD, 65.3 +/- 8.7 years) with an average poststroke interval of 5.5 +/- 4.9 years.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Each subject underwent a maximal cycle ergometer test and a 6MWT. Oxygen consumption (Vo(2)) was measured during both tests. Subjects were also evaluated for Berg balance scale, modified Ashworth scale of spasticity, isometric knee extension strength, and percentage of body fat.


RESULTS
The 6MWT distance had a low correlation with the Vo(2)max (r = 0.402). Balance, knee extension strength, and spasticity were all significant determinants for the 6MWT distance, with balance being the major contributor for the 6MWT distance, accounting for 66.5% of its variance.


CONCLUSIONS
Factors other than the cardiorespiratory status considerably influenced the ambulatory capacity as measured by the 6MWT. The 6MWT distance alone should not be used to indicate cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with chronic stroke.
Pang
Marco Y C
MY
School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of British Columbia, T325-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Eng
Janice J
JJ
Dawson
Andrew S
AS
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification; D000368:Aged; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004292:Dominance, Cerebral / Q000502:physiology; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008432:Mathematical Computing; D008875:Middle Aged; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012016:Reference Values; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*