Post-stroke fatigue, cardiopulmonary function and quality of life of stroke survivors

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF), poor cardiopulmonary indices (CPI), and reduced quality of life (QoL) are major challenges to effective stroke rehabilitation. This study assessed PSF, CPI, and QoL, and explored the relationships and associations between PSF, CPI, and QoL in stroke survivors (SSv). The study involved 54 SSv (25 females) without cardiorespiratory disorders prior to stroke. PSF and QoL were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale and the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale, respectively. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured, while the rate pressure product was calculated. CPI parameters Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV?), Peak Expiratory Flow, and FEV?/FVC ratio were evaluated. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation tests and the Chi-square test (p < 0.05). Participants’ ages ranged from 26 to 80 years. The majority (68.58%) experienced PSF. Most participants (88.89%) had normal heart rates, while 5.56% each had bradycardia and tachycardia. Almost all (98.15%) presented with tachypnea, and 1.85% had normal respiratory rates. Most participants (96.30%) had a low rate pressure product, while 3.70% had a low-intermediate product. Additionally, 92.6% had below-average QoL, and 7.4% had good QoL. There were significant (p < 0.05) relationships and associations between PSF and FVC, FEV?, FEV?/FVC, and QoL. PSF is common among stroke survivors and it negatively impact their cardiopulmonary function and QoL.