Efficacy of High-Intensity Interval Training versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training in Chronic Stroke Rehabilitation

Main Article Content

Mahrukh
Bushra Riaz
Zarqa Sharif
Usama Mahmood
Hanan Azfar
Muhammad Junaid Ilyas

Abstract

Background: Stroke rehabilitation requires effective strategies to address the persistent physical deficits experienced by survivors. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) are two contrasting approaches whose efficacies were compared in this study.


Objective: To evaluate the differential impacts of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) on the rehabilitation outcomes of individuals with chronic stroke.


Methods: This randomized controlled trial enrolled 60 chronic stroke survivors from the Sadique Poly Clinic, Lahore. Participants were assigned to either HIIT or MICT for a 12-week training program. Primary outcomes included VO2 Max and 6-Minute Walk Test distances, while secondary outcomes focused on grip strength and Timed up & Go test times. Data analysis employed an intention-to-treat approach, with significance set at p<0.05.


Results: The HIIT group exhibited more significant improvements in VO2 Max, walking distance, grip strength, and mobility compared to the MICT group. Specifically, VO2 Max increased by an average of 3.5 ml/kg/min (p<0.001) for HIIT participants versus 1.4 ml/kg/min (p<0.05) for MICT. Similarly, the 6-Minute Walk Test showed greater improvement in the HIIT group, with a mean increase of 70 meters (p<0.001), compared to 28 meters (p<0.05) for MICT.


Conclusion: HIIT appears to be more effective than MICT in improving key outcomes for chronic stroke survivors. While both training modalities resulted in improvements, the greater gains observed with HIIT suggest it could be a more potent intervention for enhancing cardiopulmonary fitness and functional mobility. However, considerations regarding the long-term effects and broader applicability warrant further investigation.

Article Details

How to Cite
Mahrukh, Riaz , B., Sharif, Z., Mahmood, U., Azfar, H., & Ilyas, M. J. (2023). Efficacy of High-Intensity Interval Training versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training in Chronic Stroke Rehabilitation. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 3(2), 187–193. Retrieved from https://jhrlmc.com/index.php/home/article/view/106
Section
Articles
Author Biographies

Mahrukh, Back to Life Speech Clinic & Rehabilitation Center

Speech and Language Pathologist

Bushra Riaz , Fatima Memorial Hospital-Lahore

Senior Physical Therapist

Zarqa Sharif, Holistic Healthcare

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Usama Mahmood, University of Montgomery Sahiwal-Spine Clinic Sahiwal

Lecturer, Physiotherapist

Hanan Azfar, Bhatti Hospital Gujranwala

DPT, MS Orthopedic Manual PT, Orthopedic Manual Therapist

Muhammad Junaid Ilyas, Johar Child and Polyclinic

Physical Therapist

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