Exercise Intensity for Stroke Rehabilitation

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+1 other location

Overseen byAda Tang, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: McGill University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial compares two exercise programs, HIIT and MICT, for stroke survivors. HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise, while MICT is continuous moderate exercise. The goal is to see which program better improves brain function and heart health. The study will also check if participants find HIIT enjoyable and motivating. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to induce significant improvements in numerous physiological and health-related indices, often to a similar or superior extent compared to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT).

Research Team

Marc Roig, PhD

Principal Investigator

McGill University

Ada Tang, PhD

Principal Investigator

McMaster University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals who had their first stroke 6-60 months ago, can walk at least 10 meters (with or without help), and have a basic ability to follow instructions. It's not suitable for those with other serious health issues that make exercise unsafe, currently in another rehab program, or have pain worsened by exercise.

Inclusion Criteria

It's been 6 to 60 months since my first stroke, confirmed by an MRI or CT scan.

You need to have a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score of more than 20, which means you can understand and follow exercise instructions.

I can walk at least 10 meters on my own, even with a walking aid.

Exclusion Criteria

I have had a stroke not caused by heart issues or due to a tumor.

I have a condition that stops me from being able to exercise.

My pain gets worse when I exercise.

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Treatment Details

Interventions

12 weeks of High-intensity Interval Training (Behavioural Intervention)
12 weeks of Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe study compares two types of exercises over 12 weeks: Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) and High-intensity Interval Training (HIIT). Both are done on a machine that works arms and legs. Researchers will check how these affect brain recovery, heart health, mood, motivation, and walking.

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Moderate-intensity continuous trainingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Intensity will be determined using a combination of heart rate reserve (HRR, calculated as HRR= \[max HR - resting HR\] x \[% training\] + \[resting HR\]) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). The MICT protocol will be increased using a progression schedule previously used (initial intensity at 40% HRR (RPE=9-11), and progressed by 10% HRR every 4 weeks up to 60% HRR (RPE=13-14) will be maintained until the end of the intervention). A 3-minute warm-up and 2-minute cool-down will be performed at 30% HRR (RPE=9-11). The total duration of MICT, including warm-up and cool-down, will be 35 minutes.

Group II: High-intensity interval trainingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Intensity will be determined using a combination of heart rate reserve (HRR, calculated as HRR= \[max HR - resting HR\] x \[% training\] + \[resting HR\]) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). The protocol will involve 10 60-second intervals of high intensity interspersed with 9 60-second low-intensity intervals. The initial high intensity intervals will start at 80% of the HRR (RPE=14-17) and progress by 10% every 4 weeks. Low intensity intervals will be performed at 30% of HRR (RPE=9-11). Three-minute warm-up and 2-minute cool-down periods will be performed at 30% of HRR. Total HIIT time including warm-up and cool-down is 24 minutes.