Recent research, published in the journal Stroke, showed that one-minute bursts of high-intensity interval training for 19 minutes are more effective than traditional moderate exercise in improving the body’s aerobic capacity after a stroke.
While the importance of exercise in stroke rehabilitation cannot be overstated, experts said Saturday that short bursts of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) may be more effective than continuous moderate physical exercise. When a stroke occurs, blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to damage that can affect physical and cognitive functions. Exercise plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation process by promoting neuroplasticity, where the brain reorganizes itself to regain lost functions.
HIIT involves repeated one-minute bursts of intense exercise followed by short recovery periods. Using a stationary bike, treadmill, body weight, kettlebells, dumbbells or skipping rope are some examples of HIIT workouts. “HIIT represents a paradigm shift in rehabilitation, particularly for stroke recovery,” Dr Vikram Huded, head of department and director and clinical lead, interventional neurology, Narayana Health City, told IANS.
“Unlike traditional continuous moderate exercise, HIIT improves cardiovascular health more efficiently by forcing the body to adapt to short, intense bursts of activity,” added Dr Raghvendra Ramdasi, consultant neurosurgeon at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai. Several studies have shown that exercising after a stroke offers several health benefits, including a lower risk of stroke recurrence and better overall recovery.
Recent research, published in the journal Stroke, showed that one-minute bursts of high-intensity interval training for 19 minutes were more effective than traditional moderate exercise at improving the body’s aerobic capacity after a stroke. The evidence suggests that HIIT can speed up cardiovascular recovery and improve overall physical endurance more effectively than conventional methods.
Ramdasi explained to IANS that the method not only improves heart and lung capacity but also improves circulation, which is vital for brain recovery. However, HIIT may not be suitable for everyone, experts said. “Patients with severe cardiovascular conditions or those who are not yet physically stable after a stroke should avoid this form of exercise until they have regained some level of baseline fitness,” Huded said. Ramdasi said patients who have regained some mobility and are medically stable benefit the most from HIIT.
Experts also urged stroke patients to perform “any exercise regimen, particularly HIIT, according to each individual’s capabilities and under expert supervision to avoid potential risks.” They also advised starting at a lower intensity and gradually increasing as tolerance improves.
(Inputs: IANS)
