Step count accuracy and reliability of two activity tracking devices in people after stroke.

Background/purpose: The increasing popularity of activity tracking devices presents an opportunity to monitor physical activity in patients after stroke. We sought to determine the reliability and accuracy of the Garmin Vivofit and Fitbit Zip for adults after stroke.

Methods: Twenty-four participants with stroke-induced hemiparesis wore a Fitbit Zip on the nonparetic hip and Garmin Vivofits on both wrists during a 6-minute walk test to determine the accuracy of the devices against video-determined step counts.

Feasibility of Measuring Ventilatory Threshold in Adults With Stroke-Induced Hemiparesis: Implications for Exercise Prescription.

Objectives: To assess the feasibility of measuring ventilatory threshold (VT) in adults with walking impairments due to stroke. Secondary objectives are to assess reliability of VT over trials; assess whether participants could sustain treadmill walking at VT; and compare mean heart rate during sustained treadmill walking to estimated heart rate reserve (HRR).

Design: Cross-sectional, single-group design.

Review of therapeutic electrical stimulation for dorsiflexion assist and orthotic substitution from the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine stroke movement interventions subcommittee.

Ankle dorsiflexion weakness that impedes walking affects some 30% of people after a stroke, which increases the risk of falls and mortality. Recent advances in functional electrical stimulation or electrical stimulation orthotic substitute walking devices facilitate the use of surface electrode stimulation during therapeutic gait training and as an orthotic substitute. However, many therapists who could promote the use of these electrical stimulation orthotic substitute devices are not doing so, possibly because of a lack of knowledge about the devices and uncertainty about which patients could benefit from the devices but also because of a lack of reimbursement by some insurance providers.