Identifying Biomarkers to Predict Response to High-Intensity Interval Training for Walking Improvement in Veterans with Chronic Subcortical Stroke

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how to predict which stroke survivors with lower limb disabilities will benefit from high-intensity interval training HIIT to improve walking speed. The study focuses on Veterans with chronic subcortical stroke, aiming to create a model that uses blood lactate levels, brain neurotransmitter GABA, cerebral blood flow, and other factors like age and fitness to forecast exercise response. Participants will take part in a 12-week HIIT program consisting of 36 cycling sessions led by an exercise physiologist. Blood lactate levels will be measured during select sessions to identify early response indicators. Brain scans and fitness tests will be done before and after the program to assess changes in GABA levels, cerebral blood flow, leg strength, balance, endurance, and walking speed. Throughout the study, walking speed and physical abilities will be closely monitored using tests like the 10-meter walk, Timed-Up-and-Go, and 6-minute walk test. Blood lactate will be tracked during exercise sessions. Brain imaging and exercise capacity will be evaluated at the beginning and end of the 12 weeks. The main goal is to develop a prediction model to distinguish responders from non-responders to HIIT based on these measurements.

Biomarkers of Reaction To HIIT Exercise