Effects of high-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training on cardiorespiratory function in patients after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials
Year: 2026
Type: review
Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
Abstract: Objective Whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is more effective than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in improving cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) among patients after stroke remains unclear. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of HIIT versus MICT on CRF. Methods We performed a literature search in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from their earliest publication record to February 2025. Randomized trials comparing the outcomes of HIIT and MICT in patients after stroke were included. The mean difference (MD) and standardized mean difference (SMD) were determined by pooling the means and standard deviations of pretreatment–posttreatment changes for the CRF outcomes [i.e., oxygen consumption at peak (V̇O 2-peak ) and at ventilation threshold (VO 2-VT )], mobility outcomes (i.e., walk endurance, speed, and postural balance) and training fidelity parameters (i.e., peak and mean heart rate during training sessions). Results Nine articles, encompassing eight trials and a total of 371 patients, were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that HIIT was more effective in improving V̇O 2-peak (MD = 1.88 mL/kg/min, 95% CI: 1.20 to 2.55, p < 0.05) and VO 2-VT (MD = 2.20 mL/kg/min, 95% CI: 0.46 to 3.95, p < 0.05). However, HIIT did not show greater effectiveness in improving the 6-min walk test, 10-meter gait speed, or Berg Balance Score. Regarding training fidelity, a significantly higher mean heart rate [measured as a percentage of heart rate reserve (HRR, %)] was observed in HIIT sessions (MD = 19.36% HRR, 95% CI: 13.83 to 24.90, p < 0.05). Conclusion HIIT is more effective than MICT in improving V̇O 2-peak and VO 2-VT in patients after stroke, supporting HIIT may serve as an alternative for aerobic training in this population. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42025645342 , CRD42025645342.
Source: Frontiers in Neurology
Institutions: Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7128743347