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

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.