Oxygen uptake kinetics: associations with ambulatory activity and physical functional performance in stroke survivors.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the associations amongst the on-and-off kinetics time constants, ambulatory activity outcomes, and physical functional performance in stroke survivors.


METHODS
Cross-sectional, case control study.


METHODS
Ten stroke survivors (time since stroke: mean 7.5 years (standard deviation 8.3); gender: 4 males, 6 females) and 10 control subjects matched for age and physical activity level.


METHODS
Oxygen uptake kinetics (on-and-off kinetics) were measured using a submaximal exercise test with a recumbent cycle. The continuous-scale physical functional performance test was used to measure functional ability. Ambulatory activity outcomes including steps per day, number of activity bouts and length of activity bouts were measured using a Step Activity Monitor.


CONCLUSIONS
Shorter activity bouts were significantly associated with longer off-kinetics time constants in stroke survivors (or longer time to recover from an exercise bout). Future research may test the effect of activity interventions designed to increase the length of activity bouts on-kinetics outcomes and functional ability.
Manns
Patricia J
PJ
Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. trish.manns@ualberta.ca
Tomczak
Corey R
CR
Jelani
Anwar
A
Haennel
Robert G
RG
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D020521:Stroke / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology