High-intensity interval versus intermittent functional exercise to improve heart fitness, mobility, and thinking after stroke
Effects of High Intensity Interval Training Versus Intermittent Functional Training on Cardiovascular Fitness, Physical Function and Cognition in Stroke
We will test whether high-intensity interval training or intermittent functional training better improves cardiovascular fitness, walking and balance, and cognition in people aged 50–75 who had a stroke more than six months ago.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Daska Kalan, Punjab Province and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07274748 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized trial will enroll 52 people with unilateral stroke at least six months after the event and randomize them to either high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or intermittent functional training (IFT) for 12 weeks. Both groups complete three 30-minute sessions per week with alternate-day training: HIIT uses repeated 5-minute intervals at 85–95% max heart rate with 3-minute active recovery periods, while IFT uses 6–9 circuits of task-oriented functional exercises. Outcomes include 6-minute walk test for cardiorespiratory fitness, MoCA for cognition, NIHSS for stroke severity, Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go for mobility and physical function. Data collection occurs at a single center (General Hospital Lahore/Riphah International University) using standardized clinical assessments.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and women aged 50–75 with a unilateral stroke more than six months earlier, NIHSS 5–15, able to walk 10 minutes over ground (assistive devices allowed) and 3 minutes on a treadmill at >0.3 mph, with stable cardiovascular status and not currently in formal rehabilitation.
Not a fit: Patients with significant resting ECG abnormalities, diagnosed cardiovascular disease, recent cardiac or pulmonary hospitalization, pacemaker/ICD, lower-extremity claudication, or inability to communicate or consent are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the tested program could help stroke survivors improve cardiovascular fitness, walking ability, balance, and cognitive function, supporting greater daily independence.
How similar studies have performed: Previous smaller trials have shown HIIT can improve cardiorespiratory fitness after stroke and that task-oriented functional programs can improve mobility, but direct randomized comparisons remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:• Age 50-75 years * Both male and female stroke patients are included. * Unilateral stroke experienced greater than 6 months prior to enrollment * NIHSS: National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (a score of 5 to 15 represents a moderate stroke) * Able to walk 10 minutes over ground with assistive devices as needed without physical assistance * Able to walk 3 minutes on the treadmill at greater than 0.3 mph with no aerobic exercise contraindications. * Stable cardiovascular condition (American Heart Association class B) * Not currently participating in formal rehabilitation. Exclusion Criteria:• Significant resting ECG abnormalities * Diagnosed cardiovascular abnormalities * Evidence of myocardial ischemia or significant arrhythmia on stress test hospitalization for cardiac or pulmonary disease within the previous 3 months, pacemaker or implanted defibrillator * Lower extremity (LE) claudication * Unable to communicate with investigators or correctly answer consent comprehension questions * Severe LE spasticity (Ashworth scale score \>2) * LE weight-bearing pain \>4/10 on a visual analog scale.
Where this trial is running
Daska Kalan, Punjab Province and 1 other locations
- Riphah International University — Daska Kalan, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Riphah International University — Daska Kalan, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Aruba Saeed, Phd
- Email: aruba.saeed@gmail.com
- Phone: +92 334 4399403
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.