Powering Up Stroke Rehabilitation Through HIIT

Last updated: May 8, 2025
Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Stroke

Bone Density

Osteopenia

Treatment

High-intensity Interval Training

Stretching

Stretching group

Clinical Study ID

NCT06554665
HSEARS20230720002
  • Ages 50-80
  • All Genders

Study Summary

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, cardio-autonomic response, and psychosocial response.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion criteria:

  • Men and postmenopausal women aged 50-80 years

  • 1-5 years following the first-ever stroke confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging orcomputed tomography

  • Able to walk 10 meters independently with or without a walking aid

  • Class I or II according to the New York Heart Association Functional Classification (no limitation or slight limitation of physical activity due to symptoms duringordinary physical activity)

Exclusion

Exclusion criteria:

  • Presence of other neurological comorbidities, significant liver or renal diseases,thyroid or parathyroid diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, or a fracture within the past 6 months

  • Undergoing osteoporosis treatments within the past 3 years, use of oralcorticosteroids for more than 3 months within the past year, or botulinum toxininjections in the paretic lower limb within the past 6 months

  • Participation in ongoing stroke rehabilitation services or structured exerciseprogramme

  • Cognitive or communication issues that could limit the ability to followinstructions

  • Contraindications to HIIT, graded exercise testing, or failure to pass medicalclearance from a specialist

Study Design

Total Participants: 66
Treatment Group(s): 6
Primary Treatment: High-intensity Interval Training
Phase:
Study Start date:
August 20, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
April 30, 2026

Connect with a study center

  • The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

    Kowloon,
    Hong Kong

    Active - Recruiting

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