High-intensity interval training is feasible, credible and clinically effective in the early subacute stroke stage in the low-income country of Benin.

ABSTRACT

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to benefit stroke patients when implemented three months post-stroke. This study examined HIIT's feasibility and clinical effectiveness in the early post-stroke stage in Benin. This was a prospective interventional study comprising an HIIT programme executed on a recumbent bike, three times/week, 20-30 min/session for 6 weeks, added to a conventional physiotherapy. The primary outcomes were feasibility, credibility and expectancy assessed with credibility and expectancy questionnaire. A maximal exercise test, 6-min walking test (6MWT), 10-m walking test (10mWT), Berg balance scale (BBS) and five repetitions sit-to-stand test (5 R-STS) were performed before and after the training programme. Ten outpatients, with a median age [P25-P75] 63.5[56.7-71.2] years; time since stroke 15.0[9.7-21.0] days, started and completed all training sessions without serious adverse events. High scores were observed on the Credibility subscale at admission (27.0[25.7-27.0]), which remained so after intervention (26.5[25.7-27.0]). Expectancy subscale scores were high at admission (25.5[24.0-27.0]) and post-training (25.5[24.5-27.0]). Peak workload (p < 0.001), BBS (p < 0.001), 6MWT (p < 0.001), 10mWT (p < 0.001) and 5 R-STS (p = 0.004) were all improved. HIIT is feasible and safe in the early subacute post-stroke stage and is perceived by patients as highly credible, meeting their expectations of recovery.