Objective: To suggest the standard tool for the selection of exercise stress tests (EST) by analysis of the initial evaluation factors affecting EST. Method: Twenty-two hemiplegic patients carried out treadmill, arm and bicycle ergometer ESTs. Treadmill EST using modified Harbor protocol was performed without taking off AFO. The velocity of the arm and bicycle ergometer was set in 50 rpm, and the resistance was increased up to 5 W at each stage. Each EST was completed at 80% of maximal heart rate. Results: Brunnstrom stage of lower extrimity, Medical Research Council (MRC) scores [hip flexor, knee extensor, finger flexor] and standing balance of twelve patients completing treadmill EST were superior to those of failed group (p＜0.05). Twelve patients completing bicycle ergometer EST showed significant differences in MRC scores [hip flexor, knee extensor] and sitting balance (p＜0.05). Brunnstrom stage of lower extremity hip flexor and knee extensor power contributed mostly to the completion of treadmill EST (p＜0.01). The completion of bicycle ergometer EST was mostly dependent on hip flexor and knee extensor power (p＜0.01). Conclusion: For bicycle ergometer EST, hip flexor and knee extensor power should be higher than 3 and 4, respectively. Treadmill EST can be suggested when Brunnstrom stage of lower extremity, hip flexor and knee extensor power are above 4, 4 and 3, respectively. The completion rate of treadmill EST can be increased when standing balance ability and Brunnstrom hand score higher than 4 and 2, respectively. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2008; 32: 26- 31)

Objective
To evaluate exercise capacity of subacute stroke patients with nonambulatory exercise stress test and to determine whether reduced exercise efficiency is associated with functional performance. Method: Experimental design was prospective and observational study. Eighteen patients with moderate to severe impairment after recent stroke performed exercise stress test by repeated knee flexion and extension exercise using isokinetic dynamometer. Work rate, oxygen consumption, heart rate were assessed during exercise stress test. The dynamic response, the ratio of change in oxygen uptake to change in work rate, was measured for correlation with FIM (Functional Independence Measure) scores. Occupational therapist recorded FIM scores on the day of transfer to inpatient rehabilitation unit and on discharge. Age-matched healthy group also performed exercise stress test in same settings. Results: The patients group who had similar dynamic response with age-matched healthy group showed higher FIM scores than the patients group having higher dynamic response. Conclusion: Nonambulatory exercise stress test could be effectively used in subacute stroke patients and the ratio of change in oxygen uptake to change in work rate was a useful variable to reveal low exercise efficiency in subacute stroke patients who had a abnormal skeletal muscle metabolic capacity. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2005; 29: 578-583)