Comparing High-Intensity Interval Training and Intermittent Functional Training for Improving Heart Health, Physical Ability, and Thinking Skills in Stroke Survivors Aged 50 to 75

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the effects of High Intensity Interval Training HIIT compared to Intermittent Functional Training IFT on cardiovascular fitness, physical function, and cognition in stroke survivors. This randomized clinical trial will enroll patients six months or more after experiencing a stroke, focusing on those aged 50 to 75 years with moderate stroke severity. The study aims to understand how these two exercise approaches impact recovery and overall health after stroke. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the HIIT or IFT group. The HIIT group will take part in treadmill sessions three times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting about 30 minutes and consisting of alternating 5-minute high-intensity intervals at 85-95% of their maximum heart rate and 3-minute active recovery periods. The IFT group will also train three times per week for 12 weeks, performing 6 to 9 circuits of task-oriented functional exercises per session, such as rolling, moving between positions, and stepping, with heart rates maintained 30-50 beats above resting levels. Both groups include warm-up and cool-down periods. During the study, participants will undergo assessments to measure stroke severity, cardiovascular fitness, cognition, and physical function. These include the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale NIHSS, the 6-minute walk test 6MWT, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment MoCA, the Berg Balance Scale, and the Timed Up and Go TUG test. The trial will last approximately 12 weeks of intervention, with evaluations conducted at the end of this period to compare the effects of the two training methods on recovery outcomes.

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