Ergospirometric assessment: Relevance for rehabilitation of stroke subjects.

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiorespiratory fitness is markedly reduced in individuals post stroke, resulting in a pattern of inactivity and sedentary lifestyle. In this sense, tests of aerobic exercise are critical for prescribing this type of training. Aims: To review the available data regarding the cardiorespiratory and metabolic variables, and protocols used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals post stroke, and discuss their relevance. Method: A literature review in MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and PEDro database were conducted. The articles identified by the initial search strategy were evaluated according to the following inclusion criteria: (1) had target population including post stroke individuals, (2) used as spirometry instrumentation, (3) reported randomized clinical trials, experimental, or quasi- experimental studies and (4) conducted an analysis of some cardiorespiratory or metabolic parameter to assess cardiorespiratory fitness. Results: Fifteen studies were identified, with a total sample of 665 post stroke individuals. The experimental groups consisted of exercises on cycle ergometer, treadmill, unilateral lower limb exercise on the isokinetic dynamometer, mobility exercises and water exercises. Most studies used the variable oxygen consumption, two analyzed the anaerobic threshold and only one examined the heart rate and respiratory exchange ratio. Conclusion: Although the studies have shown differences among the analyzed variables, and the assessment and training protocols, it was observed evidence that cardiorespiratory variables, mainly oxygen consumption, are sensitive to training.