TITLE:
Assessment of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Post-Stroke Patients in Cotonou: A Case-Control Study
AUTHORS:
Didier Niama Natta, Salifou Kora Zaki Yarou, Wilfried Dahoueto, Fréjus Victor Nounagnon Hounsa, Brigitte Tonon, Etienne Alagnide
KEYWORDS:
Post-Stroke Patients, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Benin
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.12 No.12,
December
5,
2024
ABSTRACT: Objective: This study compares the cardiorespiratory fitness of stroke patients with that of healthy control subjects matched by age and gender. It was a descriptive, analytical and comparative case-control study that aims to assess the aerobic capacity of stroke survivors in Cotonou. Methods: Data were collected during the Six-Minute Walk Test from 91 patients affected by stroke at least (03) three months ago and from 91 healthy subjects, who are at least 18 years old. Results: The average age was 53.16 ± 10.13 years with a sex ratio equal to 2.5. 45.05% of patients had ischemic strokes and 31.87% had strokes of unspecified origin. 59.34% of patients were right side affected, and almost all had a low level of physical activity. The average distance covered in relation to VO2 max was 276.39 ± 175.27 meters with an estimated VO2 max of 11.3 ± 4.03 ml/min/kg in patients and 464.14 ± 128.4 meters for an estimated VO2 max of 15.62 ± 8.72 ml/min/kg. These values were highly significantly influenced by age, post-stroke duration and level of exercise. Conclusion: The study revealed a low cardiorespiratory fitness in the study population, and suggests that post-stroke patients should be monitored by improving their aerobic endurance through an adapted physical activity program aimed at preventing recurrence.