Abstract
Exercise boosts physical health in clinical populations and high intensity interval training (HIIT) has often been found to improve fitness to a greater and faster degree than moderate intensity exercise. However, there is a lack of research on the feasibility and safety HIIT in chronic stroke survivors. PURPOSE: We studied the safety and feasibility of Aphasia Physical EXercise (APEX), a HIIT program for those with post- stroke aphasia. We measured feasibility by: avoidance of adverse events (e.g., injuries), high adherence rates and participants' ability to meet the prescribed exercise intensity during individual training sessions. We also assessed APEX’s effect on functional fitness. METHODS: Six (6) adults (Age 56.17 ± 7.65 years) with chronic stroke (i.e., at least 6 months post-stroke) were recruited to participate. APEX was an 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol focused on enhancing cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength while incorporating balance and mobility exercises. Participants were prescribed to reach >80% of maximal heart rate during each high intensity interval and to decrease to ~60% of maximal heart rate during each recovery interval. Heart rate was monitored using Polar H10 heart rate monitors and participants were able to see their real-time heart rate throughout each exercise session. At baseline and after the 8 week training period, participants were assessed for functional fitness using the 30-second Chair Stand Test, Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test, 2-Minute Step Test, Functional Reach Test, gait speed testing and maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max). RESULTS: APEX was found to be safe and feasible, with nol adverse events and high and a 97.3% attendance rate. Participants exceeded 80% of maximal heart rate throughout the program. Additionally, improvements were seen in functional fitness with Paired T-Tests indicating significant improvement (p<0.05) for the following: 30-second Chair Stand and 2-Minute Step Test. CONCLUSION: APEX proved to be a safe and effective HIIT training program for research participants with post-stroke aphasia. Heart rate goals were met during the majority of training sessions, adherence was very high and there were no recorded adverse events. These results are promising for future research on HIIT programming for post-stroke aphasia.
Recommended Citation
Ghafury, Ferdaus; Cervantes, Lauren J.; and Thompson, Christian J.
(2024)
"The Feasibility of High Intensity Interval Training in Individuals with Post-Stroke Aphasia,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 14:
Iss.
4, Article 175.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol14/iss4/175
Included in
Health and Physical Education Commons, Medical Education Commons, Sports Sciences Commons