Intensity matters: protocol for a randomized controlled trial exercise intervention for individuals with chronic...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Exercise Physiology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular exercise aids stroke recovery by improving cardiovascular health and promoting neuroplasticity.
• Moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) is standard but may not reach intensity thresholds for optimal neuroplasticity.
• High-intensity interval training (HIIT) offers a potential alternative for achieving higher exercise intensities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effectiveness of HIIT compared to MICT in promoting neuroplasticity in individuals with chronic stroke.
• To assess the impact of HIIT and MICT on neuroplasticity markers, cardiovascular health, motor function, and psychosocial well-being.

Main Methods:

• A two-arm, parallel-group, multi-site randomized controlled trial (RCT).
• Eighty participants with chronic stroke will be randomized to either a 12-week HIIT or MICT program using a recumbent stepper.
• Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 12 weeks post-intervention, and an 8-week follow-up.

Main Results:

• Primary outcome: corticospinal excitability, a marker of neuroplasticity in brain motor networks, measured via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
• Secondary outcomes include additional neuroplasticity markers, cardiovascular health, motor function, and psychosocial responses.

Conclusions:

• This trial aims to provide novel insights into HIIT's efficacy for enhancing neuroplasticity in chronic stroke survivors.
• Findings could inform the development of more effective exercise-based rehabilitation strategies for stroke recovery.