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Purpose: To compare the trunk biomechanical characteristics between the sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit performed at self-selected and fast speeds in stroke survivors and healthy-matched controls. Methods: Thirty individuals (15 stroke survivors and 15 healthy-matched controls) were included. The following biomechanical characteristics were determined: peak of trunk forward flexion and time until the peak of trunk forward flexion, total duration, phase I (sit-to-stand: time spent from the beginning to seat-off; stand-to-sit: time spent from the beginning to seat-on) and II durations (sit-to-stand: time spent from seat-off to the end of the task; stand-to-sit: time spent from the seat-on to the end of the task). Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used (α = 5%). Results: The maximum angle of trunk forward flexion and time spent until the maximum angle of trunk forward flexion in both tasks were significantly higher in stroke survivors. For both groups and speeds, phase I duration and peak of trunk forward flexion of the stand-to-sit were significantly higher than that of the sit-to-stand (11.41≤F ≤ 33.60; 0.001 ≤ p ≤ 0.002) and, phase II duration was significantly higher during the sit-to-stand than that of the stand-to-sit (21.27 ≤ F ≤ 65.10; p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: These results confirm specific trunk biomechanical characteristics between sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit in stroke survivors and healthy-matched controls. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Specific biomechanical characteristics between the sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit were confirmed in stroke survivors and healthy-matched controls at both speeds. Fast speeds showed differences that were not observed at self-selected speeds. Trunk biomechanical characteristics must be carefully evaluated and should be considered in rehabilitation programs that aim to improve sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the validity of six age-predicted maximum heart rate (HRmax) equations after stroke. Sixty individuals (54 (12) years; 64 (69) months after stroke) were included. A Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) performed on a treadmill obtained the HRmax. The most used age-predicted equations were investigated: (1) 220-age, proposed by Fox; (2) 206.9– (0.67 × age), proposed by Gellish; (3) 208– (0.7 × age), proposed by Tanaka; (4) 216.6– (0.84 × age), proposed by Astrand; (5) 164– (0.72 × age) and (6) 200– (0.92 × age) proposed by Brawner. No statistically significant agreement was found between the HRmax obtained by the CPET and the one predicted by the equations 1–5 (–0.18 ≤ 95% confidence interval ≤0.79). A significant and moderate agreement was found between the HRmax obtained by the CPET and the one predicted by equation (6) (95% CI= 0.05–0.75; Intraclass Correlation Coefficient= 0.51). Bland-Altman plots showed that equations (1–4) and (6) overestimated the HRmax. Equation (6) presented the lower mean difference. The equations developed for non-disabled individuals (1–4) are not adequate to be used in individuals after a stroke. Equation (6) (Brawner) showed the best results to be used in individuals after stroke; however, it should be used cautiously. Prediction equations for maximum heart rate (HRmax) are commonly used to prescribe aerobic exercise for individuals following a stroke. The equations developed for non-disabled individuals are not valid for use with individuals after stroke, leading to an overestimation of the HRmax. An age-predicted HRmax equation developed for individuals with coronary heart disease may provide outcomes that are more accurate for stroke survivors, but care should still be taken when using it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze WHODAS 2.0's diagnostic capacity and accuracy in stroke survivors. Cross-sectional methodological study, in which individuals with chronic stroke were evaluated. Disability was considered the outcome variable, being evaluated by WHODAS 2.0; the modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used as the parameter variable. Disability was categorized in two levels being: "No or mild disability" (mRS 0–2) and "Moderate to severe disability" (mRS 3–5). To identify the cutoff point, a Receiver-Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% and considering sensitivity and specificity. The cutoff point >39.62 proved acceptable for distinguishing individuals with moderate/severe disability from individuals with no or mild disability (≤39.62 points), with 66.22% sensitivity, 72.41% specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) of 45.45%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 84.74%. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.747 (CI 95%: 0.65–0.83; p < 0.001). WHODAS 2.0 demonstrated acceptable diagnostic capacity and the cutoff point of 39.62 proved suitable for distinguishing individuals with moderate/severe disability from those with no or mild disability after stroke. WHODAS 2.0 demonstrated acceptable diagnostic capacity. The WHODAS 2.0 cut-off point of >39.62 allows stratification of post-stroke disability into two different levels (no/mild disability versus moderate/severe disability). These results facilitate clinical decision-making by rehabilitation professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Equation to predict the oxygen consumption of individuals post-stroke is necessary. • An equation with clinical applicability and adequate validity was provided. • V̇ o 2max =22.239+0.020 × distance in the 6MWT+4.039 × sex-0.157 × age-0.265 × BMI. • Studies with larger sample must investigate the external validity of this equation. To develop an equation with clinical applicability and adequate validity to predict the maximum oxygen consumption (V̇ o 2max) of individuals post-stroke. A cross-sectional study. A university laboratory. Individuals post-stroke in the chronic phase (at least 6 months post-stroke). Step-1 (equation development): n=50, aged 55±12 years; Step-2 (validity investigation): n=20, aged 58±8 years (N=50 [step 1], N=20 [step 2]). Not applicable. Step-1 (equation development): multiple linear regression analysis was performed. Dependent variable: V̇ o 2max (mL/kg/min) in the cardiopulmonary exercise test. Independent variables: age (years), sex (1-women, 2-men), body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2), and distance (meters) in the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) (6MWT-Equation) or in the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT) (ISWT-Equation). Step-2 (validity investigation): agreement between the V̇ o 2max measured and predicted was evaluated with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and the Bland-Altman method (α=5%). In step-1 (equation development), the 4 independent variables for each equation were retained (6MWT-Equation: R 2=0.68, P <.001; ISWT-Equation: R 2=0.58, P <.001). In step-2 (validity investigation), the 6MWT-Equation showed an ICC of 0.73 (95% CI=0.30, 0.89; P =.004) and a mean bias of 0.003 mL/kg/min; and the ISWT-Equation showed an imprecise ICC of 0.55 (95% CI=-0.12, 0.82; P =.045) and a mean bias of 0.971 mL/kg/min. 6MWT-Equation (V̇ o 2max =22.239+0.02 × distance in the 6MWT+4.039 × sex-0.157 × age-0.265 × BMI) showed adequate validity. An equation with clinical applicability and adequate validity in the investigated sample was developed to predict the V̇ o 2max of individuals post-stroke in the chronic phase (6MWT-Equation). Future studies with larger sample should investigate its external validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To summarize the measurement properties (reliability, validity, and responsiveness) and the clinical utility of measurement tools used in telerehabilitation in individuals with neurological conditions. Design: Systematic review. Subjects: Individuals with neurological conditions. Intervention: Not applicable. Main measures: The methodological quality of the studies using the COSMIN Risk of Bias Checklist, the quality of the measurement properties using the criteria for good measurement properties, and the clinical utility of the measurements using the Tyson & Connell scale. Results: From the 22,188 identified studies, 47 were included. Forty-three measurement tools were identified. The main modes of administration were telephone and videoconference. Studies involved mostly individuals with stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Criterion validity and reliability were the most investigated measurement properties. None of the tools had their responsiveness investigated. Twenty-two measurement tools have at least one measurement property evaluated as "sufficient" in a study with appropriate methodological quality ("very good" or "adequate"). Nineteen measurement tools showed adequate clinical utility. Eight measurement tools, investigated in individuals with stroke, spinal cord injury or Alzheimer's disease, all administered by telephone, were recommended. Conclusion: The present results can be used to assist in choosing appropriate measurement tools, both in research and clinical practice, during telerehabilitation in individuals with neurological conditions. Measurement error, content validity, structural validity, and responsiveness need to be further investigated. In addition, the measurement properties of tools used in telerehabilitation in other neurological conditions, such as Huntington's disease, should also be investigated. Registration number: CRD42021257662. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]