Effects of High Intensity Interval Training Versus Intermittent Functional Training on Cardiovascular Fitness, Physical Function and Cognition in Stroke.

Effects of High Intensity Interval Training Versus Intermittent Functional Training on Cardiovascular Fitness, Physical Function and Cognition in Stroke

The aim of this study is to determine comparative effects of High intensity interval training versus Intermittent functional training on cardiovascular fitness, physical function and cognition in stroke.

This randomized clinical trial will be conducted at General Hospital Lahore over the duration of ten months enrolling six months post stroke survivors. The 52 patients will be recruited through non-probability convenience sampling technique and will be randomly assigned to either the HIIT or IFT group through online randomizer tool. Both groups will undergo a 12-week intervention, consisting of three sessions per week with alternate-day training. The HIIT group will perform three sessions per week 30 minutes in total with each session consisting of 5 min intervals at 85-95% of their maximum heart rate, with 3-minute active recovery periods, while IFT group will perform three sessions per week 30 minutes in total with each session consisting of 6-9 circuits of task-oriented exercises both including a 5-min warm-up and cool down period. Data will be collected through different assessment tools including NIHSS (The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) to assess the severity of stroke, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) for cardiovascular fitness, MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment or The MoCA Test) for cognition and Berg-balance scale (BBS) and TUG (Time Up and Go Test) for mobility and physical function

Inclusion Criteria:• Age 50-75 years

• Both male and female stroke patients are included.
• Unilateral stroke experienced greater than 6 months prior to enrollment
• NIHSS: National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (a score of 5 to 15 represents a moderate stroke)
• Able to walk 10 minutes over ground with assistive devices as needed without physical assistance
• Able to walk 3 minutes on the treadmill at greater than 0.3 mph with no aerobic exercise contraindications.
• Stable cardiovascular condition (American Heart Association class B)
• Not currently participating in formal rehabilitation.

Exclusion Criteria:• Significant resting ECG abnormalities

• Diagnosed cardiovascular abnormalities
• Evidence of myocardial ischemia or significant arrhythmia on stress test hospitalization for cardiac or pulmonary disease within the previous 3 months, pacemaker or implanted defibrillator
• Lower extremity (LE) claudication
• Unable to communicate with investigators or correctly answer consent comprehension questions
• Severe LE spasticity (Ashworth scale score >2)
• LE weight-bearing pain >4/10 on a visual analog scale.