High-Intensity Interval Training for Adults With Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Feasibility Study

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to assess the feasibility of twice weekly treadmill high-intensity interval training (HIIT) after stroke; to measure cardiorespiratory (CR) changes and assess predictors of CR change and the validity of existing age-predicted maximal heart rate (AP-HRmax) equations to dose HIIT; and to determine the effect of HIIT on functional measures. Methods: Seventeen adults ≥6 months poststroke participated in twice-weekly, supervised HIIT plus 30-minute home walking sessions for 10 weeks (n = 10) or served as control participants (CON, n = 7). Feasibility was measured by HIIT attendance (≥90%) and attaining targeted HIIT parameters with no adverse events. Cardiorespiratory response, peak HR, and function were measured before and after intervention. Validity of AP-HRmax equations was assessed. Results: Feasibility was supported (99% of training sessions completed, no adverse events, and targeted intensity achieved). V̇o 2peak increased significantly for HIIT, P = .019 and decreased for CON, P = .044. Functional outcomes did not improve for either group. Age-predicted maximal heart rate equations were valid, with poor absolute agreement at baseline and post-test for HIIT (P = .024; P = .003) and CON (P = .012; P = .005). Conclusions: Ten weeks of twice-weekly HIIT is feasible post-stroke and increased aerobic capacity, but functional outcomes did not improve. Some existing AP-HRmax equations can be used to formulate HIIT exercise prescription.