Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Fatigue Post-Ischemic Stroke: Cohort Study

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), physical activity (PA), and post-stroke fatigue (PSF) are critical for recovery after ischemic stroke. This study assessed CRF, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and PSF in 150 first-ever ischemic stroke patients three months post-event in Pakistan using cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), ActiGraph accelerometers, and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS-7). Mean VO₂peak was 26.8 ± 6.5 mL/kg/min (72% predicted), with 42% showing impaired CRF (<70% predicted). Dyspnea (48%) and leg fatigue (30%) were primary CPET termination reasons. Multiple linear regression showed a 0.5% VO₂peak increase per MVPA minute/day (β=0.05, p<0.01) and a 3.8% decrease per FSS-7 point (β=-0.38, p<0.001). Tailored exercise interventions are needed to improve CRF and reduce PSF. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify causal relationships.