Powering Up Stroke Rehabilitation Through HIIT

Objectives: To investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on musculoskeletal fitness in chronic stroke survivors. Hypothesis to be tested: HIIT, performed on a recumbent stepper, will significantly enhance muscle power in chronic stroke survivors when compared with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) Design and subjects: Assessor-blinded, stratified, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving eligible 66 chronic stroke survivors. Interventions: Participants will be randomly allocated to one of three groups: the HIIT group, the MICT group, or a stretching group (active control). Each group will attend sessions three times per week for 12 consecutive weeks, totaling 36 training sessions. Main outcome measures: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at mid-term of the intervention (week 6), at the end of the intervention (week 12), and at a 12-week follow-up (week 24). The primary outcome measure will be muscle power. Secondary outcome measures will include muscle strength, body composition, biomarkers, motor function, balance function, cardiorespiratory response, and psychosocial response.