High-intensity HIIT training benefits those who have suffered a stroke; understand

Study shows that shorter, more intense aerobic training is an alternative in rehabilitation, but the intensity and duration of practice must be individualized

The practice of physical activities it is essential in the rehabilitation of people who have suffered a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and reducing the risk of suffering another event. The type of exercise recommended depends on the extent of the injury and the consequences suffered, but, in general, longer sessions of moderate intensity are recommended.

A recent study, published in the scientific journal hit, suggests shorter and more intense aerobic workouts, the so-called HIIT High intensity interval trainingor high-intensity interval training — can significantly improve the physical condition of these individuals.

In HIIT training, the goal is to do as many exercises as possible in less time. The modality has already established itself among athletes and adults who wish to improve their levels of physical conditioning. As the name suggests, it involves the practice of high-intensity, short-duration exercises, interspersed with low-intensity recoveries (such as walking in the middle of a running workout). You can practice HIIT by lifting weights, cycling, walking, among other activities done in the gym, outdoors, or even at home.

To arrive at the results, the authors – connected to Canadian research institutes – evaluated people between the ages of 40 and 80 who had had a stroke at least six months before the research. They were divided into two groups: one did 60-second high-intensity HIIT training sessions, alternating with 60 seconds of lighter exercises for recovery; the other group performed conventional moderate-intensity exercises.

The intensity was measured based on the so-called heart rate reserve, which is the difference between the maximum heart rate and the resting heart rate. But the researchers were also guided by the perception of effort, that is, if a participant felt that the exercise was too strong, he could reduce the load.

At the end of the analysis, both groups showed an improvement in walking endurance after 12 weeks of training. But those who did HIIT saw double the fitness gains compared to those who trained as usual. These changes were associated with a lower risk of stroke-related hospitalizations.

Eight weeks after the study ended, the researchers reassessed the cardiorespiratory fitness of the participants, who were not required to maintain the exercise program. Volunteers in the HIIT group maintained good levels of fitness, which was not the case among those who trained at a moderate intensity.

One hypothesis to explain this benefit is that HIIT appears to increase protein production in the mitochondria, improving the efficiency of the cardiovascular system. The rate of oxygen consumed during exercise (a measure of cardiorespiratory fitness) increased more than double compared to the moderate exercise group.

When can a patient perform a HIIT workout?

There are no established parameters yet for knowing exactly when someone who has suffered a stroke can do HIIT or what the best way to do it is. Therefore, the routines of this mode must be approached with caution and defined with the help of neurologist and the healthcare professional who will take care of the rehabilitation.

According to neurologist Polyana Piza of the Israelita Albert Einstein Hospital, training that combines aerobic and resistance exercises can help functional capacity, muscle strength and flexibility, extremely important factors in the rehabilitation of most stroke patients. But at the beginning, the intensity and duration must be adapted to the specific conditions of each person.

Before defining the best training it is important to identify what the functional loss was following the stroke, as this varies depending on the area cerebral wanted. For example: if the stroke occurred in the motor area and as a result there was a decrease in strength in one side of the body, the individual will benefit from this training and can follow it from the beginning. If, however, the consequence is coordination and balance, the indications will be different.

“Patients who match the profile studied will certainly benefit from an additional rehabilitation option. Adapting effective training that optimizes daily life makes a big difference because it facilitates adherence to treatment,” comments Piza. But we need to wait for further studies to find out whether these benefits apply to other populations.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.