Maximum heart rate prediction equations based on field-tests with adequate clinical applicability for aerobic exercise prescription to individuals after stroke.

Objectives: 1) to develop two maximum heart rate (HR_max) prediction equations for individuals after stroke; 2) to investigate its validity.

Methods: The HR_max was obtained by a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET). Participants also completed the Six-minute Walking Test (6MWT) and the Incremental Shuttle Walking Test (ISWT).

Results: 60 individuals (54(12) years; 64(69) months after stroke) were included. Twenty individuals (58(10) years; 67(61) months after stroke) were included in the cross-validation group. For the first model, the following equation was generated (equation-1): HR_max= 87.655 + 0.726 (HR_peak in the 6MWT) - 0.386 (age in years), (R²=0.53; Standard Error of the Estimate (SEE)= 15.35; p < 0.0001). For the second model, the following equation was generated (equation-2): HR_max= 96.523 + 0.681 (HR_peak in the ISWT) - 0.039 (walking distance in meters in the ISWT) - 0.400 (age in years), (R²=0.53; SEE = 15.51; p < 0.0001). Significant and high magnitude agreement was found between the HR_max obtained by the CPET and the predicted HR_max by equation-1 (ICC= 0.85; 95% CI= 0.63 - 0.94) and equation-2 (ICC= 0.72; 95% CI= 0.29 - 0.89).

Conclusions: Two HR_max prediction equations have been developed and showed adequate validity. Professionals will have the option of choosing one of the two equations to use.