Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate aerobic capacity with and without an ankle-foot
orthosis (AFO) in subacute hemiparetic stroke patients.
DESIGN: Prospective
crossover intervention study. SETTING: Rehabilitation clinic in secondary care.
PATIENTS: Patients diagnosed with first-ever cerebral stroke involving the
cortical or subcortical area resulting in hemiparesis (n = 15, 8 men and 7 women;
average age, 62.1 years). METHODS: All subjects participated in 2 continuous,
symptom-limited, low-velocity graded treadmill exercise stress tests under 2
different conditions, namely, with and without an AFO. The rest interval between
tests was at least 48 hours. The order of exercise stress tests was randomized.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: To assess cardiorespiratory responses, oxygen
consumption, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure,
rate-pressure product, and respiratory exchange ratio were measured continuously
throughout the test, and peak values were obtained. The rating of perceived
exertion was recorded immediately after each test. The percentage of the
age-predicted maximal heart rate and total exercise duration were also measured.
Gait function was assessed by the Six-Minute Walk Test.
RESULTS: Using an AFO
significantly increased peak oxygen consumption and Six-Minute Walk Test results.
Peak values of each of heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood
pressure, rate-pressure product, and respiratory exchange ratio, rating of
perceived exertion, percentage of age-predicted maximal heart rate, and total
exercise duration were similar regardless of AFO use. CONCLUSIONS: Use of an AFO
may improve aerobic capacity in subacute hemiparetic stroke patients, and may
improve energy efficiency and gait endurance.
CI - Copyright (c) 2015 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS