200 Section - Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Walking Ability in Patients with Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives : The study aimed to explore the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), compared with a conventional rehabilitation program, in improving cardiorespiratory fitness and walking ability, which hinder recovery and independence in individuals with stroke.

Design: Data Sources: MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched (January 2025–July 2025) up to July 2025 for relevant studies, limited to human studies published in English.
Study Selection: Randomized controlled trials comparing HIIT with low- to moderate-intensity training or usual care in individuals with stroke were included. Eligible outcomes include cardiorespiratory fitness and walking ability.
Data Extraction: Two researchers independently reviewed eligible studies for study design, participant characteristics, intervention details, and outcome measures, and also assessed study quality. The primary researcher extracted the data and cross-checked it by
the secondary researcher.

Results: Data synthesis: Eleven randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. HIIT significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness [standardized mean difference (SMD)=1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.48 to 1.62; P< .001], and walking ability (SMD=0.61; 95% CI=0.19 to 1.02; P< .01) compared with conventional rehabilitation in individuals with stroke. Subgroup analyses indicated greater improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness among middle-aged participants (≤ 60 years); intervention times exceeding 20 minutes provided additional gains.

Conclusion: HIIT improves cardiorespiratory fitness and walking ability in stroke
survivors, proving an effective and time-efficient strategy compared with conventional rehabilitation.