Cardiovascular Function in Sub Maximal Exercise and Performance in Three Daily Activity Tests After Stroke

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between cardiovascular function of persons with post stroke conditions and their performance in three field tests. This is a validation study, aiming to determine during which of two activities VO2 measurements better express the functional restrictions caused by stroke, And to find out whether the Total Heart Beat Index can be used in the case of stroke survivors for the prediction of mechanical efficiency when measured during stair-climbing and of energy cost during treadmill walking. The hypothesis is that Stair Climbing (STC) is a more suitable form of exercise capacity testing compared to Treadmill Walk (TMW) since it potentially requires a greater amount of external work, and therefore will show stronger correlation with functional tests demonstrating the same ability, whereas TMW does not utilize the movement capability of participants to the fullest. Another hypothesis is that cardiac response to the exertion can be used as a predictor of those measures during these exertions in the post stroke population.

Official Title
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Cardiovascular Function in Sub Maximal Exercise and Performance in Three Daily Activity Tests in Persons With Post Stroke Conditions

Conditions
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Stroke, Hemiplegia

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Having acquired stroke at least 1 year before testing Chronic weakness and/or spasticity of the affected side Independent stair-climbers (with hand-rail) Received medical clearance from a physician With cognitive level sufficient to comprehend instructions Participants' age will range between 40-69 Use of walking aid is permitted as long as the participant is able to walk on a treadmill with hand-rail. Exclusion Criteria: Unable to understand instructions Unable to ambulate Severe aphasia Heart failure or other medical conditions that preclude participation in the study.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 40 Years
Maximum Age: 69 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| People with Post Stroke Conditions<br>(a) having acquired stroke at least 1 year before testing. (b) Chronic weakness and/or spasticity of the affected side. (c) Independent stair-climbers (with hand-rail). (d) With cognitive level sufficient to comprehend instructions. (e) age range between 40-69. (f) Use of walking aid is permitted as long as the participant is able to walk on a treadmill with hand-rail. (g) No heart failure or other medical conditions that preclude participation in the study. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Exercise VO2 |  | 60 days | 
| Exercise HR |  | 60 days | 
| Mechanical efficiency |  | 60 days | 
| Time for-Up-and-go (TUG) Test |  | 60 days | 
| Time for 10 m walk test |  | 60 days | 
| Distance for 6 min walk test |  | 60 days |