Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2026
Cognitive Function and Upper Limb Rehabilitation Training Post-Stroke Using a Digital Occupational Training System
Published on: December 29, 2023
Potential Factors Influencing Heart Rates During Locomotor Training Poststroke and Their Associations With Locomotor
Thomas George Hornby1, Christina J Voigtmann, Lindsay Heffron
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana (T.G.H., A.P., C.E.H.); Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana (T.G.H., C.J.V., L.H., E.L., C.E.H.); and Department of Physical Therapy, Brenau University, Gainesville, Georgia (J.K.L.).
Background And Purpose:
Previous studies suggest targeting higher heart rates (HRs) during locomotor training improves locomotor outcomes (ie, walking speed and distances) in individuals poststroke. However, those who walk slower or are prescribed β-adrenergic antagonists (β-blockers) may not achieve targeted HRs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contributions of these patient-related variables on the ability to achieve targeted HRs during graded exercise testing (GXT) or locomotor training, and their effects on locomotor outcomes.
Methods:
This secondary analysis of a randomized trial enrolled 90 individuals >6 months poststroke assigned to either high-intensity training targeting >70% HR reserve (HRR) or low-intensity training (<40% HRR). Associations between baseline walking speeds and distances or β-blocker use versus HRRs during GXTs and training were identified. Subsequent analysis focused on whether training HRs or ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs) were related to changes in walking speeds/distances.
Results:
Achieving higher HRRs during GXTs was related to faster peak treadmill speeds (r = 0.60, P < 0.01) and β-blockers use (r = -0.23, P < 0.05). However, training HRRs were unrelated to initial locomotor outcomes, with depressed HRRs in those using β-blockers. Only 40% of participants averaged >70% HRRs during high-intensity training. Regression analysis suggested training HRRs were related to walking speeds/distances only in those without β-blockers, while RPEs were correlated regardless of β-blocker use. Analysis of changes in walking speeds/distances indicates no differences in those able or unable to achieve targeted HRRs.
Discussion And Conclusion:
Achieving targeted HRRs was not a primary determinant of locomotor outcomes, although attempts to achieve higher intensities and use of RPEs may be helpful.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
01:22Cardiac Output II: Effect of Stroke Volume on Cardiac Output
Preload
Preload refers to the initial elongation of the cardiac myocytes before contraction and is related to the volume of blood filling the heart at the end of diastole, or end-diastolic volume. The...
01:27Regulation of Stroke Volume
Preload refers to the degree of stretch on the heart before it contracts. It's analogous to the stretching of a rubber band; the more it's stretched, the more forcefully it snaps back. This concept is encapsulated in the Frank-Starling law of the...
01:29Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...