[Relationship between walking capacity and maximal exercise capacity, strength and motor deficiency in adult hemiplegic stroke patients].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the relation between walking capacity and maximal exercise capacity, strength and motor deficiency in hemiplegic stroke patients.


METHODS
Uncontrolled observational study.


METHODS
Physical medicine and rehabilitation unit in a teaching hospital.


METHODS
Twenty hemiplegic stroke patients (17 men and 3 women) aged 18-70 years, whose stroke occurred more than 3 months before the study and who could walk independently with or without walking aids.


METHODS
Peak oxygen uptake (VO(2peak)), maximal power output walking capacity (6-min walk test) and motor deficiency (Fugl-Meyer scale).


RESULTS
Walking capacity was correlated with both VO(2peak) and maximal power output (Pmax) [r=0.609, P<0.003 and r=0.868, P<0.0001, respectively] but also with strength (from r=0.640 to r=0.734; P=0.0018 to P=0.0001) and motor deficiency (r=0.6; P=0.004).


CONCLUSIONS
Aerobic capacity and walking capacity are correlated and decreased in hemiplegic stroke patients. These results underscore the need for future studies to confirm the role of fitness in relation to walking capacity and to evaluate the benefit of integrating aerobic training into more traditional rehabilitation programs after stroke.
Courbon
A
A
Unité PPEH-GIP E2S EA 3062, service de médecine physique et de réadaptation, faculté de médecine Jacques-Lisfranc, université Jean-Monnet, hôpital Bellevue, CHU de Saint-Etienne, 42055 Saint-Etienne cedex 02, France. annabelle.courbon@gmail.com
Calmels
P
P
Roche
F
F
Ramas
J
J
Fayolle-Minon
I
I
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013997:Time Factors; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*