High-intensity interval training is not just for athletes–it’s for stroke survivors too

Purpose: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an effective exercise intervention for promoting health and recovery outcomes after stroke, but the perspectives and experiences of people post-stroke who have participated in HIIT programs are currently unknown. This study explored the perspectives of individuals post-stroke who participated in a 12-week HIIT intervention. Methods: An interpretive description methodology was followed. One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted on a Criterion-I purposive sample of participants who were 6 to 60 months post-stroke and participated in a 12-week HIIT intervention. A reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken to analyze the transcripts. Results: Nine participants post-stroke (n = 6 women, 3 men) participated in a semi-structured interview. Three main themes were identified: 1) Rewards of being pushed beyond your comfort zone, 2) Valuable learnings through the HIIT program, and 3) Meaningfully integrating HIIT into an exercise routine. Discussion: Participants described HIIT as a rewarding intervention after stroke, providing many intended and unanticipated benefits. Participants emphasized the importance of a collaborative relationship with their providers, which can increase confidence in one’s physical capabilities and support self-management strategies to maintain newly developed exercise behaviors. Knowledge translation initiatives are needed to help support the clinical implementation of HIIT as a beneficial exercise intervention after stroke.