RECRUITINGINTERVENTIONAL

HIIT vs MCIT for Stroke-Related Sarcopenia in Ischemic Stroke

The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Sarcopenia and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Ischemic Stroke: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

About This Trial

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of post-stroke sarcopenia on prognosis and clinical outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke and to compare the effects of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Moderate Intensity Continuous Training (MCIT) exercise programs on muscle mass, as well as on functional capacity, quality of life, and clinical outcomes.

Who May Be Eligible (Plain English)

Who May Qualify: - First-ever stroke. - Age 18 years or older. - Diagnosis of ischemic stroke. - Stroke duration between 1-6 months (subacute phase). - Modified Rankin Scale score \< 3. - Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥ 24. - Brunnstrom lower extremity motor stage between Stage III-V. - Lower extremity functional capacity sufficient to allow exercise participation (able to ambulate at least with an assistive device). - Lower extremity spasticity ≤ 2 according to the Modified Ashworth Scale. - Independent sitting balance (able to sit unsupported for at least 30 seconds). - Presence of sufficient voluntary active movement in the lower extremity to permit exercise application. - Ability to communicate. - Willingness to participate in the study and provision of written willing to sign a consent form. Who Should NOT Join This Trial: - Presence of hemispatial neglect. - History of recurrent stroke. - Presence of a psychiatric disorder. - Presence of orthopedic, neurological, or cardiopulmonary conditions that would contraindicate the planned exercise protocols. Always talk to your doctor about whether this trial is right for you.

Original Eligibility Criteria

View original clinical language

Inclusion Criteria: * First-ever stroke. * Age 18 years or older. * Diagnosis of ischemic stroke. * Stroke duration between 1-6 months (subacute phase). * Modified Rankin Scale score \< 3. * Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥ 24. * Brunnstrom lower extremity motor stage between Stage III-V. * Lower extremity functional capacity sufficient to allow exercise participation (able to ambulate at least with an assistive device). * Lower extremity spasticity ≤ 2 according to the Modified Ashworth Scale. * Independent sitting balance (able to sit unsupported for at least 30 seconds). * Presence of sufficient voluntary active movement in the lower extremity to permit exercise application. * Ability to communicate. * Willingness to participate in the study and provision of written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of hemispatial neglect. * History of recurrent stroke. * Presence of a psychiatric disorder. * Presence of orthopedic, neurological, or cardiopulmonary conditions that would contraindicate the planned exercise protocols.

Treatments Being Tested

BEHAVIORAL

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) will be delivered on a cycle ergometer under physiotherapist supervision. Each session includes a 5-minute warm-up at 50% of maximum heart rate (HRmax), followed by five cycles of 1 minute at 80% HRmax and 2 minutes of active recovery at 60% HRmax, and a 5-minute cool-down at 50% HRmax. Sessions will be performed 3 times per week for 6 weeks, with intensity progressed by 5% every two weeks as tolerated.

BEHAVIORAL

Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MCIT)

Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MCIT) will be delivered on a cycle ergometer under physiotherapist supervision. Each session includes a 5-minute warm-up at 50% of maximum heart rate (HRmax), followed by 20 minutes of continuous exercise at 80% HRmax, and a 5-minute cool-down at 50% HRmax. Sessions will be performed 3 times per week for 6 weeks, with intensity progressed by 5% every two weeks as tolerated.

Locations (1)

Fenerbahçe University

Istanbul, Ataşehir, Turkey (Türkiye)