Metabolic Intensity Of Gait Training In Patients With Stroke During Inpatient Rehabilitation

PURPOSE: This sub-study of a large randomized controlled trial measured and compared metabolic intensity during usual care gait training at admission and discharge from inpatient rehabilitation (IPR) among patients with subacute stroke. METHODS: Metabolic intensity [oxygen consumption (VO2) and blood lactate] during usual care gait training (i.e., overground or bodyweight-supported treadmill walking) was assessed in patients with stroke at IPR admission and discharge. VO2 was directly measured using a wearable metabolic cart, and blood lactate was measured at rest and peak exertion via fingerstick. Patient characteristics were summarized as mean ± standard deviation or median (Q1, Q3) for numerical variables and counts and percentages for categorical variables. Hedges’ g effect sizes were calculated to compare the change in intensity from admission to discharge. RESULTS: Patients (n = 4) were primarily female (75%), White (75%), and non-Hispanic (100%) with a mean ± SD age = 62 ± 14.5 years, height = 166.1 ± 5.0 cm, and weight = 71.6 ± 8.2 kg. Patients were assessed 22.2 ± 4.7 days post-stroke (ischemic = 50%). Patient and gait training session characteristics, as well as metabolic intensity outcomes, are described in Table 1. CONCLUSION: This cohort of patients admitted to IPR with subacute stroke achieved low to moderate metabolic intensities during usual care gait training at admission and discharge; however, no difference in metabolic intensities was observed from admission to discharge. Identifying gait training approaches that drive intensity throughout IPR as function improves is essential for enhancing gait recovery and cardiovascular health for persons with stroke. Supported by: NIDILRR 90IFRE0074