Cardiorespiratory interval training for post-stroke fatigue

Does a Cardiorespiratory Interval Training Program at Home Improve Post-stroke Fatigue?

Not applicable Interventional Umeå University · NCT03458884

This study is testing if a special cycling workout can help people who have recently had a stroke feel less tired.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorUmeå University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Umeå)
Trial IDNCT03458884 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of a structured cardiorespiratory interval training program on post-stroke fatigue in patients recently discharged from a stroke unit. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which will engage in a specific training regimen on an ergometer cycle, or a control group receiving standard early supported discharge care. The training consists of intervals of high-intensity cycling followed by active recovery, conducted three times a week for eight weeks. The primary outcome measured will be the change in fatigue levels as assessed by a standardized fatigue scale.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who have experienced an acute stroke and are experiencing post-stroke fatigue, living independently in the Umeå or Gävle areas.

Not a fit: Patients with severe strokes, significant cardiac or pulmonary issues, or those living far from the study locations may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce post-stroke fatigue and improve recovery outcomes for stroke survivors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that interval training can improve cardiovascular fitness in various patient groups, including stroke survivors, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Preliminary or final diagnosis of acute stroke due to Brain infarction: large vessel disease, lacunar syndrome, cryptogenic stroke Intracerebral hemorrhage
* Post-stroke fatigue (defined as a summation score of 28 or more on the S-FAS)
* Medical stability
* Independent living in Umeå or Gävle (in the nearby surrounding areas) and able to cycle an ergometer cycle.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with severe stroke with modified Rankin Scale \>3
* Atrial fibrillation, pacemaker or other arrhythmia which exclude reliable monitoring of heart-frequency
* Unstable pulmonary or cardiac disease
* Serious co-morbidity with for example terminal cancer, hemodialysis, severe cognitive dysfunction with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) ≤ 26
* Drug abuse
* Patients living far away from the hospital or in residential care facilities.

Where this trial is running

Umeå

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions StrokeFatiguePROBE designCardiorespiratory fitnessCardiorespiratory training
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.