Low-Volume Interval Training and Resistance Exercise in Individual With Stroke

Feasibility of Low-Volume Interval Training and Resistance Exercise on Walking Performance, Aerobic Fitness, Muscle Strength and Quality Of Life in Individual With Stroke

To examine the feasibility of Low-Volume Interval Training (LV-ITT) and Resistance Exercise (RE) on walking performance (walking endurance, gait speed, functional balance), lower limb muscle strength and quality of life among individuals with post-stroke.

Prescribing aerobic and resistance training in concurrence is proposed as an optimum strategy to target cardiovascular as well as musculoskeletal functions in individuals with post-stroke. Lower limb's resistance training alone in chronic stroke produces a large effect on muscle strength. However, it has shown uncertainty results on walking performance. Therefore, it is suggested that to prescribe mix training (treadmill training and strength training) in order to improve muscle strength, gait performance and quality of life in stroke survivors. Previous studies have shown the effect of mixed training on walking performance and endurance in other populations such as multiple sclerosis and coronary artery disease. However, there is a lack of study that conducted mixed training among chronic post-stroke. Therefore, the feasibility study on the effectiveness of combining LV-ITT and RE in post-stroke should be conducted.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age range between 45-65 years' old
• At least 3-months post-stroke
• Gait speed ≤1.0 m·s -¹ measured by the 10 m walk test.
• Able to walk 10 m overground with assistive devices as needed and no physical assistance.
• Able to walk for 3 min on the treadmill at ≥0.17 m·s -¹ (0.4 mph) with no aerobic exercise contraindications.
• Modified Rankin Score (mRS) of <4 at the screening
• American Heart Association class B (2), allowing for aerobic capacity <6 metabolic equivalent (MET)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Significant resting ECG abnormalities
• Hospitalization for cardiac or pulmonary disease within 3 months
• Using Pacemaker
• Aphasia
• Significant musculotendinous or bony restrictions of the affected limb, or any serious chronic disease independently causing disability or profound atrophy of the affected limb that will comprise further indications to participation significant.