High-intensity interval training for stroke rehabilitation

Powering Up Stroke Rehabilitation Through High-Intensity Interval Training

Not applicable Interventional The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · NCT06554665

This study is testing if high-intensity interval training can help improve muscle strength in people who have had a stroke compared to moderate exercise and stretching.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment66 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kowloon)
Trial IDNCT06554665 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on musculoskeletal fitness in chronic stroke survivors. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: HIIT, moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), or a stretching group. Each group will attend training sessions three times a week for 12 weeks, with assessments conducted at various intervals to measure muscle power and other outcomes. The study aims to determine if HIIT can significantly enhance muscle power compared to MICT.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and postmenopausal women aged 50-80 who are 1-5 years post-stroke and can walk independently.

Not a fit: Patients with other neurological conditions, significant organ diseases, or those currently undergoing stroke rehabilitation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved muscle power and rehabilitation outcomes for chronic stroke survivors.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with high-intensity interval training in various populations, suggesting potential success in this novel application for stroke rehabilitation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

* Men and postmenopausal women aged 50-80 years
* 1-5 years following the first-ever stroke confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging or computed 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 during ordinary physical activity)

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 oral corticosteroids for more than 3 months within the past year, or botulinum toxin injections in the paretic lower limb within the past 6 months
* Participation in ongoing stroke rehabilitation services or structured exercise programme
* Cognitive or communication issues that could limit the ability to follow instructions
* Contraindications to HIIT, graded exercise testing, or failure to pass medical clearance from a specialist

Where this trial is running

Kowloon

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 Stroke
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.