Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training in People With Poststroke Gait Dysfunction: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Abstract
Background: The exercise strategy that yields the greatest improvement in both cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O2peak$$ \dot{\mathrm{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_{2\mathrm{peak}} $$) and walking capacity poststroke has not been determined. This study aimed to determine whether conventional moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) have different effects on V̇O2peak$$ \dot{\mathrm{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_{2\mathrm{peak}} $$ and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD).
Methods and results: In this 24-week superiority trial, people with poststroke gait dysfunction were randomized to MICT (5 days/week) or HIIT (3 days/week with 2 days/week of MICT). MICT trained to target intensity at the ventilatory anaerobic threshold. HIIT trained at the maximal tolerable treadmill speed/grade using a novel program of 2 work-to-recovery protocols: 30:60 and 120:180 seconds. V̇O2 and heart rate was measured during performance of the exercise that was prescribed at 8 and 24 weeks for treatment fidelity. Main outcomes were change in V̇O2peak$$ \dot{\mathrm{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_{2\mathrm{peak}} $$ and 6MWD. Assessors were blinded to the treatment group for V̇O2peak$$ \dot{\mathrm{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_{2\mathrm{peak}} $$ but not 6MWD. Secondary outcomes were change in ventilatory anaerobic threshold, cognition, gait-economy, 10-meter gait-velocity, balance, stair-climb performance, strength, and quality-of-life. Among 47 participants randomized to either MICT (n=23) or HIIT (n=24) (mean age,…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 47 participants or records.
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