Effects of task-oriented treadmill training applied high-intensity interval training on walking ability in patients...

This study aimed to determine the effect of task-oriented treadmill training with high-intensity interval training compared to high-intensity interval treadmill training on the walking ability of patients with chronic stroke.

Data from 34 chronic stroke patients who were randomly assigned to experimental (17) and control (17) groups and completed the study were analyzed. The experimental group underwent task-oriented treadmill training with high-intensity interval training, and the control group received high-intensity interval treadmill training for 30 minutes per session, 3 times a week, over a period of 4 weeks. Statistical significance was confirmed through a 2-factor repeated measures analysis of variance.

There was an interaction effect between time and group for 10-Meter Walk test (10MWT), functional gait assessment (FGA), 6-Minute Walk test (6MWT), and timed up and go (TUG) (P < .05). post hoc tests revealed that 10MWT, FGA, and 6MWT showed significantly greater improvements in the e.g. compared to the CG (P < .025), and in the intragroup comparison, both e.g. and CG showed significant improvements over time (P < .017). The TUG showed no significant difference in comparison between groups (P > .025), and in comparison within groups, both e.g. and CG showed a significant decrease over time (P < .017).

Clinically, despite being a chronic stroke patient, repetitive and meaningful task training combined with high-intensity training is thought to be helpful in improving walking ability and returning to the community.