Interval circuit training for cardiorespiratory fitness is feasible for people after stroke

Dianne L. Marsden, Ashlee Dunn, Robin Callister, Patrick McElduff, Christopher R. Levi, Neil J. Spratt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aims: To determine if community-dwelling stroke survivors can achieve exercise intensities sufficient to improve cardiorespiratory fitness during a single session of circuit training using an interval training approach. Methods: Thirteen independently ambulant participants within 1 year of stroke were included in this observational study (females=54%; median age=65.6 years; interquartile range=23.9). Exercise intensities were assessed throughout an individually tailored circuit of up to seven 5-minute workstations from a selection of nine functional (e.g. walking, stairs, balance) and three ergometer (upright cycle, rower, treadmill) workstations. The interval durations ranged from 5–60 seconds. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was recorded continuously using a portable metabolic system. The average VO2 during each 30-second epoch was determined. VO2≥10.5 mL/kg/min was categorised as ≥moderate intensity. Findings: Participants exercised at VO2≥10.5 mL/kg/min for the majority of the time on the workstations [functional: 369/472 epochs (78%), ergometer: 170/204 epochs (83%)]. Most (69%) participants exercised for ≥30 minutes. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusions: Applying interval training principles to a circuit of functional and ergometer workstations enabled ambulant participants to exercise at an intensity and for a duration that can improve cardiorespiratory fitness. The training approach appears feasible, safe and a promising way to incorporate both cardiorespiratory fitness and functional training into post-stroke management.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)190-202
Number of pages13
JournalInternational Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation
Volume24
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Interval circuit training for cardiorespiratory fitness is feasible for people after stroke'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this