Article

OBJECTIVE: To explore the associations amongst the on-and-off kinetics time
constants, ambulatory activity outcomes, and physical functional performance in
stroke survivors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, case control study. SUBJECTS: 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. Results and conclusion: 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.

Langue : ANGLAIS