Independently ambulant, community-dwelling stroke survivors have reduced cardiorespiratory fitness, mobility and knee strength compared to an age- and gender-matched cohort.
Most exercise interventions for stroke survivors are designed for those who have substantial motor and functional disabilities. There remains a group of well-recovered stroke survivors who have yet to be investigated in terms of their physical capacity and fitness levels.



To assess and compare the physical capacities of independently ambulant, community-dwelling stroke survivors to age- and gender-matched comparison participants.



Data were obtained from 17 stroke survivors participating in the How FITSS? Trial, all with functional ambulatory category of ≥4 and a self-selected walking speed ≥0.8 m s-1. An additional 17 healthy control participants were recruited. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was measured using oxygen consumption (VO2peak), and additional measures of walking speed (m s-1), leg strength and body composition were also assessed. Differences between groups were assessed by matched pairs t-tests. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d.



There were no significant differences in age, BMI, muscle mass or body fat between groups (p > 0.05). Peak VO2was lower in the stroke group for the shuttle walk test (p = 0.037) and progressive cycle test (p = 0.019), as were all CRF test performance measures (p < 0.05). Stroke survivors walked significantly (p < 0.001) slower at both self-selected and fast speeds. Effect sizes of group differences for all leg strength variables were medium to large, with peak torque lower in the stroke group for all trials.



Despite being independently ambulant and community dwelling, the CRF, walking speed and leg strength of this group were reduced compared to non-stroke comparison participants. These patients may benefit from undertaking targeted exercise programmes.
a Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition , University of Newcastle , Callaghan , New South Wales, Australia.|b Hunter Medical Research Institute , New Lambton Heights , New South Wales, Australia.
Ashlee
A
Dunn
a Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition , University of Newcastle , Callaghan , New South Wales, Australia.|b Hunter Medical Research Institute , New Lambton Heights , New South Wales, Australia.|c Hunter New England Local Health District , New Lambton Heights , New South Wales, Australia.
Dianne L
DL
Marsden
a Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition , University of Newcastle , Callaghan , New South Wales, Australia.|b Hunter Medical Research Institute , New Lambton Heights , New South Wales, Australia.
Paulette
P
Van Vliet
a Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition , University of Newcastle , Callaghan , New South Wales, Australia.|b Hunter Medical Research Institute , New Lambton Heights , New South Wales, Australia.|c Hunter New England Local Health District , New Lambton Heights , New South Wales, Australia.
Neil J
NJ
Spratt
a Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition , University of Newcastle , Callaghan , New South Wales, Australia.|b Hunter Medical Research Institute , New Lambton Heights , New South Wales, Australia.
Robin
R
Callister
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000072599:Cardiorespiratory Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017741:Survivors; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*
cardiopulmonary exercise test; cycle ergometer; oxygen consumption; physical capacity; rehabilitation; shuttle walk; six-minute walk; stroke