Effectiveness of High-intensity Aerobic Interval Training on Impairments and Activity Limitations in the Acute Phase of Stroke in Benin

Is High-intensity Aerobic Interval Training Appropriate for Recovering Impairments and Activity Limitations in the Acute Phase of Stroke? A Randomized Controlled Trial in Benin

This clinical trial aims to examine the effects of combining HIIT on a semi-recumbent cycle ergometer (HIIT-RCE) with conventional physiotherapy on impairments and activity limitations in early subacute stroke. We hypothesized that HIIT combined with conventional physiotherapy would be more effective than conventional physiotherapy in improving workload capacity.

Inclusion Criteria:

People with the diagnosis of stroke were screened and recruited within the first-month after the stroke onset according to the following criteria

1. first episode from an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke confirmed by CT scan;
2. muscle strength of the affected leg defined by Motricity Index between 14 and 19, i.e., between 2 and 4 on the Medical Research Council scale;
3. modified Ashworth score of 0 or 1, indicating no spasticity or slight spasticity over the affected lower limb, respectively
4. able to walk at least 5 meters independently with or without assistive devices and understand simple instructions;
5. resident in Parakou or its surroundings
6. wish to participate in the hospital program

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients whose medical records reported

1. uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmias (e.g. atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia), heart failure, or recent myocardial infarction, arteriopathy,
2. primary orthopedic conditions (e.g., fractures, active rheumatoid arthritis),
3. other neurological diseases (such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease), (4) patients unable to perform a graded exercise test, i.e., unable to reach the target cadence of 50 rpm or exercise-induced asthma