A new study published in the journal Stroke suggests that high-intensity interval training improves cardiorespiratory fitness more than traditional, moderate exercise sessions in stroke survivors, leading to better heart health and higher fitness levels.
The randomized controlled trial included 82 participants who had survived a stroke within the last 5 years and who had not had a stroke in the previous 6 months. The participants were randomized into two groups for the study: one group participated in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) three days per week, while the second group participated in a moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) program three times per week. The study lasted 12 weeks, and cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O2peak), cardiovascular risk factors, and mobility outcomes were measured. The goal of the study was to see whether stoke survivors could benefit from HIIT and whether HIIT had potential to improve fitness and overall health more than MICT.
The results showed that the group who participated in HIIT had improved their cardiorespiratory fitness about twice as much as the MICT group by the end of the study. The HIIT group also maintained improved fitness at a check-in 8 weeks after the study had ended. Both groups had improved their walking endurance a similar amount by the end of the study, and there were no significant differences between the groups in improvements in cardiovascular risk factors or mobility.
The authors of the study noted that HIIT appears to be safe and effective for stroke survivors. By implementing a HIIT program, both stroke survivors and the general population are likely to improve their overall health and lower their risk of future heart issues. Improvements in fitness are important for stroke recovery, and HIIT may be a promising new intervention in stroke rehabilitation.
Sources: Stroke, Science Daily
