Background: decreased cardio-vascular endurance in people after stroke limits their abilities in activities of daily living. Purpose: To determine the differences in heart rate response, rating of perceived exertion, and their relationship during various functional tests at three time points in people after stroke. Methods: Nine participants in the chronic stage after stroke were included. At the three time points, heart rate was recorded for each test: 10-metre walk test, six-minute walk test, stair climbing test, five times sit-to-stand test, and 2-minute step test. After each test, perceived exertion was rated using the Borg scale. Results: Heart rate was statistically significantly higher during the six-minute walk test and 2-minute step test than during the 10-metre walk test and five times sit-to-stand test. At two time points, there was no statistically significant difference between the first two tests. Similar differences between functional tests were also found in ratings of perceived exertion. However, mostly no correlations were found between heart rate, perceived exertion ratings, and functional tests outcomes. Conclusions: Heart rate response is the highest for the six minute walk test and the 2-minute step test. The use of heart rate monitors is recommended to determine physical activity/training intensity.
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