Appetite and energy intake following a bout of circuit resistance training in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients: a preliminary randomized controlled trial

Purpose The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of circuit resistance training (CRT) on post-exercise appetite and energy intake in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients. A secondary aim was to evaluate the reproducibility of these effects. Methods Seven participants met the eligibility criteria and, in a randomized order, participated in a non-exercise control session (CTL) and two bouts of CRT. The CRT involved 10 exercises with 3 sets of 15-repetition maximum per exercise, performed using a vertical loading approach, with each set interspersed with 45s of walking. Expired gases were carried out to calculate the net energy cost of the exercise and the relative energy intake post-CTL/CRT. Hunger, fullness, desire to eat, and energy intake were assessed at baseline and for 12 h after CTL and CRT. Results Compared to CTL, hunger, desire to eat (P < .001), and relative energy intake (P < .05) were significantly lower after CRT, whereas the perception of fullness was significantly higher (P < .001). Significant differences between CTL and CRT were observed only for the first 9 h of the post-exercise period for hunger, fullness, and desire to eat (P < .05). No significant differences in appetite or relative energy intake were observed between the two bouts of CRT. Conclusions A bout of CRT elicited decreased post-exercise appetite and relative energy intake in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients. Decreased appetite perceptions lasted for around 9 h and were reproducible.