Presenter of 1 Presentation
RESPIRATORY FUNCTION AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN CHRONIC STROKE PATIENTS
Abstract
Background and Aims
Background: In addition to sensory-motor deficits, post-stroke individuals usually show impaired lung function, which can lead to a reduction in physical activity and/or physical fitness. Aim: To evaluate levels of physical activity as measured with the self-reported HAP (using the Adjusted Activity Score) and pulmonary function in stroke survivors.
Methods
Fifty post-stroke individuals in the chronic phase, with a mean age of 56,98 ± 13,23 years and BMI of 26,85 ± 4,86 Kg/m2 were invited to answer the Human Activity Profile ( HAP) questionnaire ,used to evaluate the level of physical activity according to increasing energy expenditure. Subjects also performed lung function test. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) using a spirometer were measured according to the guideline from American Thoracic Society.
Results
Self-reports of physical activity according to the HAP classification revealed that 58.3% of the individuals were inactive, 29.1% moderately active and active. The mean values obtained for the FEV1 were 2,02 ± 0,69 and 2,83± 0,38, and FVC were 2,39 ± 0,79 and 3,35 ± 0,64 for the inactive, and moderately and active groups, respectively (p< 0.01).
Conclusions
The present study identified that the sample of patients who were in the chronic phase of the stroke, have reduced changes in respiratory capacity and levels of physical activity, which are correlated. The impact and importance of physiotherapeutic assessments and interventions involving the respiratory system as part of stroke rehabilitation at this stage is observed, in order to promote quality of life.