The impact Of high-intensity interval training On functioning And health-related quality Of life In post-stroke patients: A systematic review With meta-analysis

• Published in: Clinical rehabilitation 2022-06, Vol.36 (6), p.726-739
• Main Authors: Anjos, Jorge Motta, Neto, Mansueto Gomes, dos Santos, Franciele Silva, Almeida, Katna de Oliveira, Bocchi, Edimar Alcides, Lima Bitar, Yasmin de Souza, Duraes, Andre Rodrigues
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerobic exercise; Aerobics; Aged; Clinical trials; Critical incidents; Exercise Therapy - methods; Fitness training programs; Gait; Health status; High-Intensity Interval Training; Humans; Interval training; Meta-analysis; Middle Aged; Oxygen; Physical fitness; Quality of Life; Rehabilitation; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation - methods; Systematic review; Uptake
• ISSN: 0269-2155; 1477-0873
• DOI: 10.1177/02692155221087082

Objective To examine the effects of high-intensity interval training on the functioning and health-related quality of life of post-stroke patients. Methods We searched the following electronic databases: MEDLINE/Pubmed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PEDro database, and Scielo up to January 2022 for randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of high-intensity interval training in post-stroke patients. Two reviewers selected the studies independently. Study quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale. The mean difference (MD), standard mean difference (SMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results Nine studies met the study criteria (375 patients). The age of the participants ranged from 55.8 to 72.1 years. The studies included patients within 2 weeks of stroke onset to patients longer than 1 month of stroke. High-intensity interval training resulted in improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen uptake) MD (3.8 mL/kg/min, 95% CI: 2.62, 5.01, n  =  91), balance MD 5.7 (95% CI: 3.50, 7.91; N = 64), and gait speed SMD (0.2 m/s; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.27; N = 100) compared with continuous aerobic training. The health-related quality of life did not differ between the groups. Compared to usual care, high-intensity interval training improved the cardiorespiratory fitness SMD (0.5 95% CI: 0.14, 0.81, n  =  239). No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusions The findings of this systematic review show that high-intensity interval training was more efficient than continuous aerobic training to gain cardiorespiratory fitness, balance and gait speed in post-stroke patients. In addition, compared to usual care, high-intensity interval training improved cardiorespiratory fitness.