Effects of HIIT on Muscle Strength, Atrophy and Aerobic Capacity in Stroke Patients.

Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Muscle Strength, Atrophy and Aerobic Capacity in Stroke Patients.

To determine the effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on muscle strength, atrophy, and aerobic capacity in stroke patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Both males and females were included
• aged 40-60 years
• Chronic stroke patients who experienced a first-ever ischemic stroke
• Stable cardiovascular condition (American Heart Association class B)
• Physician clearance to participate in a 4-week HIIT program
• No prior structured exercise in the last 3 months
• Ability to walk 10 m over ground with or without assistive devices
• Patients who scored >24/30 on MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who were hospitalized for cardiac or pulmonary disease within the past 3 months
• Patients who had implanted pacemaker or defibrillator
• Patients having conditions where VO2peak assessment is contraindicated, such as uncontrolled hypertension(>180/100), severe aortic stenosis, acute myocarditis, recent myocardial infarction, or other acute cardiovascular events within the past three months, were excluded from the study
• Patients with severe lower limb spasticity (Ashworth Scale scores >2 of 4 for knee flexion, knee extension, or ankle dorsiflexion)
• Pregnant females
• Previous exposure to fast treadmill walking in the past year