Fatigue Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Fatigue, including details on chronic fatigue syndrome, exhaustion, causes, diagnosis.

Fatigue after stroke.

Colle F, Bonan I, Gellez Leman MC, Bradai N, Yelnik A

Unité de Médecine Physique et Réadaptation, Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, 1, rue Cabanis, 75674 Paris cedex 14, France. f.colle@ch-sainte-anne.fr

OBJECTIVES: To examine the phenomenon of fatigue after stroke and to review the knowledge about frequency, consequences, associated factors, physiopathology and treatment. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Medline was systematically searched with the following keywords: stroke, fatigue, sleep disorders, exercise, and rehabilitation. All relevant articles found in the references were screened as well. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Fatigue is a common complaint after stroke and occurs in 39-72% of stroke survivors. Some studies show a severe functional impact of this symptom as well as a high mortality rate. Available evidence concerning associated factors is limited, but fatigue is clearly multifactorial. Some studies show that limited exercise capacity, increased gait energy cost, sleep-disordered breathing and sleep disorders can be related to physical fatigue. Other studies show a link between fatigue and depression. The existence of primary fatigue is still controversial. Treatment must follow a diagnostic approach. Treadmill training, among other treatments, improves fitness reserve and lowering of the energy cost of hemiparetic gait, which could be useful in relieving fatigue.

Published 10 July 2006 in Ann Readapt Med Phys, 49(6): 272-6, 361-4.
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