High Intensity Interval Training in Chronic Stroke

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of high intensity interval training (HIT) and traditional aerobic training for persons with stroke.

Detailed Description
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Participants were randomized to either HIT or traditional aerobic training; each 25 minutes, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Outcomes were measured before and after training by a blinded rater.

Official Title
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High Intensity Interval Training in Chronic Stroke

Conditions
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Stroke

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: High-intensity interval training (HIT)
* Other: Traditional Aerobic Training


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: 1) age 35-90 years 2) unilateral stroke experienced >6 months prior to enrollment 3) able to walk 10m overground with assistive devices as needed and no physical assistance 4) able to walk 3 minutes on the treadmill at >.13m/s (0.3mph) with no aerobic exercise contraindications 5) stable cardiovascular condition (American Heart Association class B, allowing for aerobic capacity <6 metabolic equivalents) 6) discharged from formal rehabilitation Exclusion Criteria: 1) significant resting ECG abnormalities 2) evidence of significant arrhythmia or myocardial ischemia on treadmill ECG stress test 3) hospitalization for cardiac or pulmonary disease within 3 months 4) pacemaker or implanted defibrillator 5) lower extremity claudication 6) unable to communicate with investigators or correctly answer consent comprehension questions 7) severe lower extremity spasticity (Ashworth >2) 8) lower extremity weight bearing pain >4/10 on visual analogue scale For the transcranial magnetic stimulation substudy, additional exclusions will also be applied. These include large cerebral infarcts or other structural defects with the potential to increase seizure risk, uncontrolled seizures, metal implants and previous craniotomy.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 35 Years
Maximum Age: 90 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: High-intensity interval training (HIT)<br>Treadmill exercise using bursts of concentrated effort alternated with recovery periods | Other: High-intensity interval training (HIT)<br>* Treadmill exercise using bursts of concentrated effort alternated with recovery periods<br>|
| Active Comparator: Traditional aerobic training<br>Moderate intensity continuous aerobic exercise on a treadmill | Other: Traditional Aerobic Training<br>* Moderate intensity continuous aerobic exercise on a treadmill<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Peak Aerobic Capacity (VO2-peak) |  | Baseline and 4 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Submaximal Aerobic Capacity (VO2 at Ventilatory Threshold) |  | Baseline and 4 weeks | 
| Change in Gait Velocity (10 Meter Walk Test) |  | Baseline and 4 weeks | 
| Change in 6-Minute Walk Test | distance walked in 6 minutes | Baseline and 4 weeks | 
| Change in Gait Economy (Mean Oxygen Uptake at Comfortable Walking Speed) | mean oxygen uptake at comfortable walking speed reported in units mLO2 per kilogram body weight per meter | Baseline and 4 weeks | 
| Change in Fastest Treadmill Speed (Steep Ramp Test) | fastest safe treadmill walking speed | Baseline and 4 weeks | 
| Change in Fractional Utilization | Metabolic cost of gait as a percentage of aerobic capacity | Baseline and 4 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Stroke, Rehabilitation, Exercise, Intensity, Gait