The impact Of high-intensity interval training On functioning And health-related quality Of life In post-stroke patients: A systematic review With meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective To examine the effects of high-intensity interval training on the functioning and health-related quality of life of post-stroke patients. Methods We searched the following electronic databases: MEDLINE/Pubmed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PEDro database, and Scielo up to January 2022 for randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of high-intensity interval training in post-stroke patients. Two reviewers selected the studies independently. Study quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale. The mean difference (MD), standard mean difference (SMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results Nine studies met the study criteria (375 patients). The age of the participants ranged from 55.8 to 72.1 years. The studies included patients within 2 weeks of stroke onset to patients longer than 1 month of stroke. High-intensity interval training resulted in improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen uptake) MD (3.8 mL/kg/min, 95% CI: 2.62, 5.01, n = 91), balance MD 5.7 (95% CI: 3.50, 7.91; N = 64), and gait speed SMD (0.2 m/s; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.27; N = 100) compared with continuous aerobic training. The health-related quality of life did not differ between the groups. Compared to usual care, high-intensity interval training improved the cardiorespiratory fitness SMD (0.5 95% CI: 0.14, 0.81, n = 239). No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusions The findings of this systematic review show that high-intensity interval training was more efficient than continuous aerobic training to gain cardiorespiratory fitness, balance and gait speed in post-stroke patients. In addition, compared to usual care, high-intensity interval training improved cardiorespiratory fitness.

Pilot study of a high-intensity interval training program in older adults: Safety, feasibility, functional fitness and cognitive effects

“…It has been suggested that HIIT routines like APEX could provide neurocognitive benefits for post-stroke individuals, promoting recovery (Crozier et al 2018; Hugues et al, 2021). This is because HIIT has demonstrated comparable safety and feasibility for clinical populations with greater time efficiency compared to MICT, encouraging adherence and making it an ideal exercise intervention for clinical populations (Anjos et al, 2022; Alzar-Teruel et al, 2022; Crozier et al, 2018; Gibala et al, 2018; Gjellesvik et al, 2021; Marriott et al, 2021). The APEX intervention’s accessibility and demonstrated safety and feasibility encourage its testing in the post-stroke population.…”

The effect of exercise on walking economy in patients with chronic neurological conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Unfortunately, there are no higher-quality randomized controlled trials to validate this result. One study found that high-intensity IT had a greater effect on patients' cardiorespiratory fitness than high-intensity exercise alone and sustained aerobic training ( 10 , 12 , 76 ). Due to the increased demand for oxygen during exercise training, the reserves are increased VO 2 , allowing patients to reach higher intensities or greater VO 2 after training ( 44 ).…”

“…Currently, it is not known which type of exercise is more effective in improving WE. However, high-intensity IT has been recognized in many reviews for promoting other physical functions in patients with CNCs ( 10 , 12 , 31 , 32 , 77 ).…”

“…Several studies have explored whether exercise therapy can improve cardiopulmonary function in patients with CNCs. However, such studies did not test the value of peak oxygen consumption (VO 2peak ) improvement as a potential physiological indicator of cardiopulmonary function ( 10 , 12 , 14 , 31 – 33 ), and this aspect has not been sufficiently reviewed as a primary outcome.…”

Putting It All Together: An Evidence-Based Guide to High-Intensity Interval Exercise Prescription for Patients With Complex Comorbidities

“…The improvements in executive function last up to a year after the intervention. 58 In addition to improved cardiorespiratory fitness, Anjos et al 59 reported findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis that high-intensity interval training was more efficient than MICT in improving balance and gait speed in patients poststroke.…”