Abstract
ABSTRACT Exercise boosts physical health in clinical populations, and high intensity training (HIT) has been found to improve fitness to a greater and faster degree than moderate intensity training. However, there is a lack of research on the feasibility and safety of remotely delivered HIT in chronic stroke survivors, and particularly those with aphasia. PURPOSE We studied the safety and feasibility of Aphasia Physical Exercise (APEX), a remotely delivered HIT 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 htness. METHODS: Five (5) adults (Age 60 7.46 years) with chronic stroke (i.e., at least 6 months post-stroke) were recruited to participate. APEX was a 4-week remote HIT program protocol focused on enhancing cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength while incorporating balance and mobility exercises. In the first week, participants trained in-person as a group to gain familiarity with the exercises and heart rate protocols, and then the final 3 weeks were done remotely via Zoom. Participants were prescribed to reach > 80% of maximal heart rate during each interval and to decrease to -60% of maximal heart rate during each recovery interval. Participants self-monitored their heart rate at home, and session data were then uploaded to the research staff for analysis. At baseline and after the 4-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 no adverse events and a 97.3% attendance rate. Participants consistently exceeded 80% of maximal heart rate throughout the program. Additionally, improvements were seen in functional fitness (p
Recommended Citation
Cervantes, Lauren; Harrelson, Amelia; Ghafury, Ferdaus; and Thompson, Christian
(2025)
"Feasibility of a Remotely Delivered High Intensity Functional Training Program In Individuals With Post-Stroke Aphasia,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 14:
Iss.
5, Article 46.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol14/iss5/46
Included in
Health and Physical Education Commons, Medical Education Commons, Sports Sciences Commons