To Develop a Walking Exercise Program for Non-ambulatory Stroke Survivors

Resting heart rate (measured in beats per minute) will be measured using a Polar heart rate monitoring system.

Systolic blood pressure (measured in mmHg) will be measured using a mercury sphygmomanometer.

HbA1c levels will be measured by collecting a drop of blood from the middle finger of the unaffected hand and use the A1CNow+ System for analysis.

Diastolic blood pressure (measured in mmHg) will be measured using a mercury sphygmomanometer.

To obtain FVC measurements (measured in liters (L)) nose clip will be used, and subject's lips will be sealed around the mouthpiece to prevent air from leaking. The study team member will verbally encourage the subject to keep inhaling and exhaling at the maximum capacity. For FVC measurement, the subject will be instructed to maximally inhale, and immediately exhale forcibly and maximally. This test will be repeated at least three times. At least one minute will be allowed between each repetition to avoid fatigue.

The measurement of FAC will determine an individual's walking ability based on the amount of human assistance needed. It includes six categories, with Category 0 indicating nonfunctional ambulation and Category 5 - independent ambulation on varying surfaces.

Heart rate will be obtained using a Polar heart rate monitoring system.

A blood sample will be drawn from the antecubital vein in the unaffected arm to be analyzed for plasma cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.

To obtain VC measurements (measured in liters (L)) nose clip will be used, and subject's lips will be sealed around the mouthpiece to prevent air from leaking. The study team member will verbally encourage the subject to keep inhaling and exhaling at the maximum capacity. The subject will sit and first be asked to breathe normally three times. The subject will then be instructed immediately to maximally inhale or exhale and repeat four times. This test will be repeated at least three times. At least one minute will be allowed between each repetition to avoid fatigue.

The BBS is a test consisting of 14 items, designed to measure balance performance in sitting, standing, and weight transfer activities. The minimum score is 0 and the maximum score is 56. Higher scores indicate greater balance performance.

The muscle activity will be measured by the recorded muscle electromyogram (EMG) signals.

Heart rate variability will be obtained using electrocardiography (ECG).

Stroke Volume (SV), an indication of cardiac functioning, will be measured by non-invasive impedance cardiography.

Cardiac Output (CO), an indication of cardiac functioning, will be measured by non-invasive impedance cardiography.

The PASS has 12 items that assess balancing ability. The minimum score is 0 and the maximum score is 36. Higher scores indicate greater balancing ability.

The TIS has 17 items that assess trunk functionality and impairment. The minimum score is 0 and the maximum score is 23. Higher scores indicate greater trunk functionality and less impairment.

The MI has 6 items (repeated for each arm and leg) that assess motor impairment in stroke patients.

The RNLI has 11 items to assess the extent of the patient's ability to return to normal living activities.

The MBI has 11 items assessing patients' ability complete a variety of self-care tasks.

The HADS has 14 items (7 depression items and 7 anxiety items) to assess depression and anxiety symptoms experienced in the past week. The minimum score is 0 and the maximum score is 21 for depression and anxiety individuals. Higher scores on depression items indicate higher depression. Higher scores on anxiety items indicate higher anxiety.

The MoCA has 8 items that assess cognitive functioning.

BMI will be measured by obtaining height and weight.

Walking endurance and capacity will be measured with the total distance covered when performing a 6-minute overground walking test involving walking as far as possible for 6 minutes on a flat, marked course.

Walking speed, joint motion, and muscle activation will be measured when performing a 6-meter overground walking test involving walking a 6-meter distance on a flat, marked course.

The modified functional reach test assess balance by measuring reaching ability 3 times under 3 conditions to assess balance.

The Fugl Meyer Lower Extremity assessment assesses impairment in motor function, balance, sensation and joint functioning with 43 items.