Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between a measure of fatigue and 2
indices of physical fitness, lower limb extensor power (LLEP) and walking
economy. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study of patients with stroke.
Fatigue was assessed by vitality (VIT) score of the Medical Outcomes Study
36-Item Short-Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2). LLEP of the unaffected limb
was measured using a lower leg extensor power rig. Walking economy was calculated
by measuring oxygen consumption (mL.kg(-1).m(-1)) during walking at a comfortable
speed. Bivariate analyses were performed relating VIT to indices of fitness.
Multiple regression analyses were also performed and included age, sex, and
either SF-36v2 emotional role function or SF-36v2 mental health, as predictors of
VIT. SETTING: Community setting. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N=66; 36 men; mean
age +/- SD, 71.0+/-9.9y) were all community dwelling, had survived a stroke, were
able to walk independently, and had completed their stroke rehabilitation.
INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measure is
SF-36v2 (VIT), with walking economy and LLEP of the limb unaffected by the stroke
being independent variables. RESULTS: Walking economy was not significantly
related to VIT (R=-.024, P=.86, n=60). LLEP was positively related to VIT in
bivariate analysis (R=.38, P=.003, n=58). After controlling for age, sex, and
SF-36 emotional role function (or SF-36v2 mental health if the extreme outlier
was excluded), LLEP remained a significant predictor of VIT. CONCLUSIONS: We
found an association between fatigue and reduced LLEP. If a larger study confirms
these findings, it would support the need to develop and test interventions to
increase LLEP as a treatment for fatigue after stroke.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS