High Intensity Interval Training in Chronic Stroke

High Intensity Interval Training in Chronic Stroke

The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of high intensity interval training (HIT) and traditional aerobic training for persons with stroke.

Participants were randomized to either HIT or traditional aerobic training; each 25 minutes, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Outcomes were measured before and after training by a blinded rater.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 1) age 35-90 years
• 2) unilateral stroke experienced >6 months prior to enrollment
• 3) able to walk 10m overground with assistive devices as needed and no physical assistance
• 4) able to walk 3 minutes on the treadmill at >.13m/s (0.3mph) with no aerobic exercise contraindications
• 5) stable cardiovascular condition (American Heart Association class B, allowing for aerobic capacity <6 metabolic equivalents)
• 6) discharged from formal rehabilitation

Exclusion Criteria:

• 1) significant resting ECG abnormalities
• 2) evidence of significant arrhythmia or myocardial ischemia on treadmill ECG stress test
• 3) hospitalization for cardiac or pulmonary disease within 3 months
• 4) pacemaker or implanted defibrillator
• 5) lower extremity claudication
• 6) unable to communicate with investigators or correctly answer consent comprehension questions
• 7) severe lower extremity spasticity (Ashworth >2)
• 8) lower extremity weight bearing pain >4/10 on visual analogue scale

For the transcranial magnetic stimulation substudy, additional exclusions will also be applied. These include large cerebral infarcts or other structural defects with the potential to increase seizure risk, uncontrolled seizures, metal implants and previous craniotomy.