High-intensity interval versus intermittent functional exercise to improve heart fitness, mobility, and thinking after stroke

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• Riphah International University
  Daska Kalan, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
• Riphah International University
  Daska Kalan, Punjab Province, Pakistan Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Aruba Saeed, Phd
• Email: aruba.saeed@gmail.com
• Phone: +92 334 4399403

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.