Oxygen pulse best predicts energy expenditure during stair ascent and descent in individuals with chronic stroke

To determine whether minute ventilation-to-carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO₂), oxygen pulse (VO₂/HR), and rate pressure product (RPP: VO₂ * HR/1000) can explain energy expenditure during stair ascent/descent and whether energy expenditure during stair ascent/descent can discriminate between walking abilities in individuals with chronic stroke.

Regression analysis of cross-sectional data from 50 individuals between 1 and 4 years post-stroke was carried out to investigate the prediction of energy expenditure during stair ascent/descent. In addition, discriminant analysis was carried out to investigate the discrimination between walking abilities for energy expenditure: community (walking speed ≥ 0.8 m/s) and non-community (walking speed < 0.8 m/s) walkers.

Oxygen pulse and rate pressure product were retained in the model. Oxygen pulse alone explained 70% of the variance in energy expenditure during stair ascent/descent. By adding rate pressure product, 79% of the variance was explained. Energy expenditure was able to discriminate the community from the non-community walkers, with a cutoff value of 13.8 ml∙kg^-1∙min^-1 and correctly classified 62% of the non-community and 78% of the community walkers.

Oxygen pulse and rate pressure product significantly predicted energy expenditure during stair ascent/descent in individuals with chronic stroke. Energy expenditure during stair ascent/descent discriminated community from non-community walkers.