The Feasibility of LVHIIT on Inpatient Stroke Rehab

The Feasibility of Low-Volume High Intensity Interval Training on Inpatient Stroke Rehab

The objective of this study is to explore the safety and feasibility of conducting low-volume, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on a total body recumbent stepper (TBRS) in persons with stroke in an inpatient rehabilitation setting.

Inclusion Criteria:

• -Both sexes between the age of 18-85 years at time of consent
• Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke at consent. People with stroke and newly diagnosed cardiovascular complications had >50% prevalence of recurrent stroke at 5 years. Index stroke or recurrent stroke on same side as index stroke will be allowed.
• Exercise continuously for minimum of 30 watts for 3 minutes on the recumbent stepper to demonstrate ability to perform the exercise test or therapist confirmation/documentation of participant's ability to use the recumbent stepper.
• No aerobic exercise contraindications or other safety/physical concerns during the submaximal exercise test determined by the therapy team or inpatient physicians.
• Able to communicate with investigators, follow 2-step command & correctly answer consent comprehension questions

Exclusion Criteria:

• Implanted pacemaker or defibrillator limiting exercise performance
• Reported pain that limits or interferes with activities of daily living and physical activity/exercise
• Acute Myocardial Infarction in the last 2 days
• Ongoing unstable Angina
• Active Endocarditis
• Symptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis
• Decompensated Heart Failure
• Acute Pulmonary Embolism, Pulmonary Insufficiency, or Deep Veinous Thrombosis
• Acute Myocarditis or Pericarditis
• Other significant neurologic, orthopedic, or peripheral vascular conditions that would limit exercise participation
• Oxygen-dependent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Neurological disease (Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease)
• Pregnancy