RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07273058

Effect of HIIT on Post-Stroke Fatigue

Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training Intervention on Post-Stroke Fatigue in Chronic Stroke Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial

Sponsor

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Enrollment

60 participants

Start Date

Oct 15, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Stroke

Summary

This study aims to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on fatigue severity among individuals with chronic stroke. Participants will be randomly assigned to the HIIT group, the moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) group, or the stretching group (active control). Each group will participate in supervised exercise sessions three times per week over a 12-week period, totaling 36 sessions. Outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline, mid-intervention (week 6), post-intervention (week 12), and follow-up (week 20). The primary outcome will be fatigue severity. Secondary outcomes will include inflammatory biomarkers and additional health-related indicators.

Eligibility

Min Age: 40 YearsMax Age: 80 Years

Inclusion Criteria6

Age of 40-80 years;
a history of ischemic stroke resulting in unilateral limb impairment 6-60 months prior to consent to participate in the pilot trial;
a stable medical condition;
a subjective feeling of fatigue, defined as a period of apparent fatigue, decreased energy, increased need for rest, or fatigue out of proportion to physical activity for at least 2 weeks during the past month;
ability to communicate with the investigators and lack of significant cognitive deficits;
able to walk for 10 meters with or without a walking aid.

Exclusion Criteria9

An FSS score of < 4 (20);
other neurological conditions;
other musculoskeletal comorbidities that would prevent safe participation in exercises;
a medical diagnosis of significant cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic disease(s);
signs or symptoms indicative of significant cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic disease(s) during the previous 3 months;
severe lower limb spasticity (Ashworth Scale score ≥ 3);
Botulinum toxin use in the affected lower limb within the past six months;
current or previous use of drugs intended to resolve post-stroke fatigue;
active engagement in other stroke rehabilitation trials.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALHIIT

The HIIT intervention will consist of a 3-minute warm-up, a 25-minute main exercise, and a 2-minute cool-down. The main exercise will include four 4-minute high-intensity intervals, each interspersed with a 3-minute low-intensity recovery period. Participants will attend three supervised sessions per week over a 12-week period.

BEHAVIORALMICT

The MICT intervention will include a 3-minute warm-up, 25 minutes of continuous exercise performed at a moderate intensity, and a 2-minute cool-down. Participants will attend three supervised sessions per week over a 12-week period.

BEHAVIORALstretching

The stretching intervention will consist of 30 minutes of whole-body stretching. Participants will attend three sessions per week over a 12-week period.