Moderate-Intensity Exercise Versus High-Intensity Interval Training to Recover Walking Post-Stroke: HIT-Stroke Trial 2
University of Cincinnati
Summary
People who had a stroke at least 6 months prior and who still have difficulty with walking will each be randomly assigned to receive either moderate or vigorous intensity walking exercise. Both protocols will be performed individually with a physical therapist for 45 minutes, 3x/week for 12 weeks. Measures including walking function will be assessed at baseline (PRE), after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of training (12WK) and at 3-month follow up (3moPOST), by raters who are unaware of the participant randomization.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 30–85 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 30-85 years at time of consenting * Hemiparesis from ischemic and/or hemorrhagic strokes * Most recent stroke for which participant sought treatment, at least 6 months prior to study consent * Walking speed \<1.0 m/s on the 10-meter walk test * Able to walk 10m over ground with assistive devices as needed and no continuous physical assistance from another person (guarding and intermittent assistance for loss of balance allowed) * Able to walk at least 3 minutes on the treadmill at ≥0.13m/s (0.3 mph) * Stable cardiovascular condition (AHA class B, allowing for aerobic…
Interventions
- BehavioralModerate-Intensity Aerobic Training
Overground and treadmill walking with speed continuously adjusted to maintain a target heart rate of 40 +/- 5% heart rate reserve, progressing up to 55 +/- 5% heart rate reserve.
- BehavioralHigh-Intensity Interval Training
Overground and treadmill walking with 30 second bursts at maximum speed alternated with 30-60 second passive recovery periods. Intended to achieve a target average heart rate above 60% heart rate reserve.
Locations (3)
- University of DelawareNewark, Delaware
- University of Kansas Medical CenterKansas City, Kansas
- University of CincinnatiCincinnati, Ohio