Selection of Aerobic Exercise Intensity Using Heart Rate Reserve in Stroke Patients

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the intensity of aerobic exercise in stroke patients using heart rate reserve (HRR) by comparing maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and VO2 at % HRR in maximal exercise test of treadmill, arm ergometer and bicycle ergometer. METHOD: Twenty nine stroke patients who could walk independently were included. Maximal exercise test using treadmill, arm ergometer and bicycle ergometer was performed. Heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, minute ventilation, oxygen consumption and respiratory exchange ratio were measured through respiratory gas analysis. When the standard criteria for maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) was achieved, each test was terminated. We compared the measured VO2max with the VO2 at % heart rate reserve (HRR) and figured out the statistically significant % HRR point. RESULTS: Twenty-four (82.7%), twenty-four (82.7%) and twenty-five (86.2%) patients completed maximal exercise test using treadmill, arm ergometer and bicycle ergometer. Most patients who completed maximal exercise test satisfied the VO2max criteria with VO2 plateau at the end of the exercise test (41.3~48.2%) or RER > 1.0 (79.3~82.7%) or peak HR >age-predicted maximal heart rate (APMHR)-10 or peak HR > 70% {208-(0.7 x age)} when they took beta- blockers (6.8~13.7%). The differences between measured VO2max and VO2 above 60% HRR at treadmill test, 65% HRR at arm ergometer test, 65% HRR at bicycle ergometer test were not statistically significant (>0.05). CONCLUSION: Exercise above 60% HRR at treadmill test, 65% HRR at arm and bicycle ergometer test can be useful as aerobic exercise intensity in stroke patients.