Arterial Stiffness in Subacute Stroke: Changing Pattern and Relationship with Functional Recovery

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Subacute stroke patients experience changes in arterial stiffness and functional capacity.
• Understanding these changes during rehabilitation is crucial for optimizing recovery.
• Identifying factors correlating with arterial stiffness reversal can guide therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate changes in arterial stiffness and functional outcomes in subacute stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation.
• To determine the correlation between arterial stiffness reversal and specific functional parameters during a 3-month rehabilitation period.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 60 subacute stroke patients received 3 months of conventional rehabilitation.
• Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measured arterial stiffness.
• Functional outcomes assessed via 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and other standardized scales at baseline, 1, and 3 months.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant improvements in baPWV were observed at 3 months post-stroke.
• Functional outcome measures showed significant improvements starting at 1 month of rehabilitation.
• Changes in baPWV demonstrated a significant correlation with changes in the 6MWT results.

Conclusions:

• Three months of comprehensive rehabilitation therapy significantly improved arterial stiffness and functional outcomes in the subacute phase of stroke.
• Rehabilitation programs focusing on enhancing gait endurance are recommended for subacute stroke patients.
• The 6MWT may serve as a valuable indicator for monitoring recovery related to arterial stiffness in stroke survivors.