The impact of the energy cost of walking on the quality of life of post-stroke individuals: A one-year longitudinal study br

Background: The increased energy cost of walking (Cw) for stroke patients affects the walking function and walking independence of stroke patients. However, its impact on quality of life (QoL) has never been studied.Objective: Assess the association between Cw and QoL for post-stroke individuals in the year following hospital discharge.Method: Thirty-seven individuals with stroke were included. QoL was assessed by the EuroQol-5 Di-mensions on the day after hospital discharge (T0), at six months (T1) and at one year after hospital discharge (T2). Concomitant an evaluation of Cw, mood disorders (HADS), fatigue, independence in activities of daily living and the presence of a family caregiver was performed. The association between QoL and the different covariates was analyzed using multiple regression analysis.Results: At T2, data from 29 individuals were analyzable. Multiple regression analyses showed Cw had a significant influence on the QoL at T1 (coeff-0.42 (-0.71 to-0.12), P =.008) and T2 (coeff-0.49 (-0.71 to-0.26), P < .001). HADS score was the only other variable to significantly impact variances of QoL at T0, T1 and T2. Moreover, we showed that Cw at T0 explained 29% of variances of QoL at T1 and 42% at T2.Conclusion: Cw appears to be an independent factor in the QoL of individuals with stroke at six months and one year after hospital discharge. In addition, the initial Cw and HADS are predictive of QoL at one year highlighting the importance of early interventions in these two dimensions to improve QoL over the long term.(c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study assessed the association between energy cost of walking (Cw) and quality of life (QoL) for post-stroke individuals in the year following hospital discharge. The results showed that Cw had a significant influence on QoL at six months and one year after discharge. Furthermore, the initial Cw and mood disorders were predictive of QoL at one year.