Cardiopulmonary capacity should be evaluated accurately to determine exercise intolerance and training intensity of stroke survivors before an exercise rehabilitation programme is prescribed. However, no cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is suitable because of the stroke victims’ physical impairment. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a new rowing-ramp protocol as a CPET for stroke survivors. Eleven stroke patients (6 male; 5 female; age, 45 + 16.01 years, performed two incremental exercise tests on a Concept II rowing ergometer to determine the peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak). Test-retest reliability for VO2 peak, measured 1-week apart, resulted in an intra-class correlation of 0.97 and 0.95, respectively. A linear regression equation was developed to predict the VO2 peak from final stage stroke power. Validity and reliability of the prediction equation were established. The regression equation for predicted VO2 peak was VO2 peak=11.429±+ 0.232 (Final Stage Stroke Power) + 12.63 (F=25.326, p
Proximal stability consists of core and hip stability play a significant role in supporting the body weight in stationary and in motion. Thus, proximal stability could contribute to knee osteoarthritis (OA). Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the core stability and hip stability of knee OA patients. A total of thirty-two women aged between 45 to 60 years had volunteered to participate in this study, comprised of 16 knee OA patients and 16 normal. Hip stability was assessed using hip crossover test and core stability was assessed using core muscle endurance, core muscle strength and core muscle flexibility. Data of hip stability, core muscle strength and flexibility were analyzed using chi-square; and core muscle endurance data were analyzed using independent sample t-test. Compared to normal subjects, knee OA patients have poor hip stability [Hip Crossover Test (λ=0.500, p=0.033)] and core stability. Core stability was assessed based on core muscle strength [abdominal muscles (χ=12.157, p