Effects of High Intensity Interval Training Versus Intermittent Functional Training on Cardiovascular Fitness, Physical Function and Cognition in Stroke.
Effects of High Intensity Interval Training Versus Intermittent Functional Training on Cardiovascular Fitness, Physical Function and Cognition in Stroke
Riphah International University
52 participants
Nov 5, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The aim of this study is to determine comparative effects of High intensity interval training versus Intermittent functional training on cardiovascular fitness, physical function and cognition in stroke.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria7
- Both male and female stroke patients are included.
- Unilateral stroke experienced greater than 6 months prior to enrollment
- NIHSS: National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (a score of 5 to 15 represents a moderate stroke)
- Able to walk 10 minutes over ground with assistive devices as needed without physical assistance
- Able to walk 3 minutes on the treadmill at greater than 0.3 mph with no aerobic exercise contraindications.
- Stable cardiovascular condition (American Heart Association class B)
- Not currently participating in formal rehabilitation.
Exclusion Criteria6
- Diagnosed cardiovascular abnormalities
- Evidence of myocardial ischemia or significant arrhythmia on stress test hospitalization for cardiac or pulmonary disease within the previous 3 months, pacemaker or implanted defibrillator
- Lower extremity (LE) claudication
- Unable to communicate with investigators or correctly answer consent comprehension questions
- Severe LE spasticity (Ashworth scale score >2)
- LE weight-bearing pain >4/10 on a visual analog scale.
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Interventions
The intervention consists of HIIT protocol performed 3-5 days per week for a period of 12 weeks, focusing on either the fastest safe walking speed for mobility gains or maintaining 85%-95% of heart rate reserve or power output at 90%-100% VO2 peak. Each session should last 25-30 minutes, utilizing a burst-to-recovery ratio of 30 seconds of intense activity followed by 30-60 seconds to 3 minutes of recovery. Treadmills or recumbent steppers will be used, with careful monitoring of intensity to prevent potential hypotensive responses.
IFT exercises will be performed for 3-5 days per week sessions involve 6-9 circuits of task-oriented exercises lasting about 3 minutes each, designed to enhance functional ability. Each circuit combines more demanding tasks with less intense ones to maintain heart rates 30-50 beats per minute above resting levels, achieving moderate aerobic intensity for chronic stroke survivors. Exercises are tailored to individual needs and progressively increased in difficulty, including movements like rolling, transitioning between positions, and practicing stepping and transferring
Locations(2)
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NCT07274748