Effects of high intensity interval training on mobility and fitness outcomes in stroke

Background: Stroke causes severe impairments in mobility, balance, and quality of life, making it the leading cause of disability globally. New research indicates that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) may benefit stroke patients more. Objective: To determine the effects of high-intensity interval training on mobility and fitness outcomes in stroke. Methods: A single-blinded, randomized controlled study was carried out on n=44 ambulatory stroke survivors between the ages of 45 and 65 years. The participants were randomly assigned to group A (n=22) received conventional physiotherapy (CPT). While Group B received HIIT in addition to conventional physiotherapy. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Heart Rate Recovery (HRR), Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC), Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) were the outcome measures. At baseline, six weeks, and twelve weeks, assessments were carried out. Results: The HIIT group had significantly improved mobility, balance, and cardiovascular fitness. In the 6MWT (p<0.001), BBS (p<0.001), FAC (p=0.002,), insignificant p-value in HRR (p=0.93, ηp²=0.00), SS-QOL (p=0.01, ηp²=0.16), and TUG tests (p=0.01, ηp²=0.16), and hence was better (p < 0.05) in all variables except FAC (0.48). Conclusion: High-intensity interval Training significantly improves walking capacity, balance, cardiovascular recovery, and quality of life in stroke survivors when combined with conventional standard physiotherapy interventions, as compared to conventional physiotherapy alone. Keywords: Fitness, FAC, HR reserved, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Ischemic, Mobility, Stroke Rehabilitation, 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)