Article

The primary aim of this study was to investigate muscle metabolism in
stroke survivors through measurements of the respiratory exchange ratio and rates
of fat and carbohydrate oxidation in relation to total energy expenditure at
preferred walking speed during treadmill and overground walking. The secondary
objective was to investigate whether the energy source used during walking
influences the daily physical activity pattern and fatigue of post-stroke
individuals. METHODS: The sample comprised 28 stroke participants and 10
non-disabled, healthy controls. Measurements of oxygen consumption and carbon
dioxide production were recorded. Participants wore a uniaxial accelerometer
(activPAL) over 4 days as an estimate of daily physical activity. Measurements of
Human Activity Profile and Neurological Fatigue Index for stroke were documented.
RESULTS: Carbohydrate oxidation accounted for the majority of fuel oxidation at
preferred walking speed in the stroke group (55.86% vs 47.29% during tread-mill
walking and 66.13% vs 50.15% during overground walking). Stroke patients who had
higher levels of carbohydrate oxidation reached a lower score in the Human
Activity Profile survey, had fewer steps screened by activPAL data (4,422 vs
6,692 steps/day) and higher fatigue index. CONCLUSION: Carbohydrate oxidation
accounted for the majority of fuel oxidation at the preferred walking speed in
post-stroke individuals. The increased carbohydrate utilization recorded at preferred walking speed may have influenced the physical activity profile.

Langue : ANGLAIS