Is a programme of high-intensity interval training better than moderate-intensity exercise for optimal gait control after stroke?
The HIT-Stroke Trial 2 RCT is underway (in protocol stage) to determine the optimal training intensity for walking rehabilitation in chronic stroke.
Current practice guidelines recommend moderate to vigorous intensity locomotor training to improve walking outcomes in chronic stroke. But these intensities span a wide range, and the lack of specificity may lead to under-dosing or over-dosing of training intensity.
We are sure that you already know that the evidence indicates that vigorous intensity locomotor training improves walking outcomes significantly more than moderate intensity. But previous studies have not been powered to rule out the possibility of meaningful risk increases or negligible benefit with vigorous versus moderate intensity, nor have they been designed to compare sustained effects after training ends.
In this single-blind, 3-site, randomized trial, 156 chronic (>6 months) stroke survivors will be allocated to 36 sessions (3 times a week for 12 weeks) of either high intensity interval or moderate intensity continuous locomotor training. Outcomes are assessed at baseline, after 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks (POST), and 3 months after completing training.
The primary outcome is walking capacity (6-minute walk distance). Secondary outcomes include comfortable and fast gait speed, aerobic capacity, fatigue, balance confidence, quality of life, and motivation for exercise. Statistical analyses will compare outcome changes and adverse events between treatment groups, and will include subgrouping by walking limitation severity.
This study by Christine Garrity (Department of Rehabilitation, University of Cincinnati) and colleagues will hopefully provide important new information to guide greater specificity and individualization of locomotor training intensity in chronic stroke.
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Because music stimulates emotions, it invokes parts of the brain called the hippocampus and amygdala that relate to memory formation and recall. In addition, music enhances neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to create new connections.
Read more in this article:
www.business-standard.com/health/music-brain-health-memory-focus-dementia-stroke-recovery-benefit...
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#strokerecoveryexercises #strokeexercise #neuroplasticity #strokerehabilitation #strokerehab #neurorehabilitation #strokerecovery #neurorehab
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Most stroke survivors experience ups and downs during their recovery.
You may find it helpful to keep a log of your activities each day, progress, and energy levels. That way, if you experience a sign of regression after stroke, you can look to see if any patterns emerge.
For example, you may “regress” on days after rigorous activity and improve the next day. Once you see the pattern, you may not consider it regression. Instead, it’s a sign that you either pushed too hard or that the body is healing.
By identifying patterns, you can keep your mind at ease whenever it seems like you’re regressing after stroke. When in doubt, always see a doctor! It’s better to be safe than sorry.
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#neurorehab #arnistrokerehab #neuroplasticity #strokerehabilitation #strokeexercise #strokerehab #strokesurvivorscan #strokerecovery #ARNIstrokerehab
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Dedicate a space in your home as your place to train. The best reason for training at home is that when you're finished you're back home already with no need to fiddle about getting changed or working out how to get there and back.
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For millions of women, combined hormonal contraceptives are a part of their daily life – providing a convenient and effective option for preventing pregnancy and managing their menstrual cycle. But new findings are sounding the alarm on a serious, and often overlooked, risk: stroke.
According to recent findings presented at the European Stroke Organisation Conference, combined oral hormonal contraceptives (which contains both oestrogen and progestogen) may significantly increase the chance of women experiencing a cryptogenic stroke. This is a sudden and serious type of stroke that occurs with no obvious cause.
Surprisingly, in younger adults – particularly women – cryptogenic strokes make up approximately 40% of all strokes. This suggests there may be sex-specific factors which contribute to this risk – such as hormonal contraception use. These recently-presented findings lend themselves to this theory.
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#strokeexercise #neurorehabilitation #strokerehab #arnistrokerehab #strokerecovery #strokerehabilitation #neurorehab #neuroplasticity #strokerecoveryexercises
At this year’s conference, researchers presented findings from the Secreto study. This is an international investigation that has been conducted into the causes of unexplained strokes in young people aged 18 to 49. The study enrolled 608 patients with cryptogenic ischaemic stroke from 13 different European countries.
One of their most striking discoveries was that women who used combined oral contraceptives were three times more likely to experience a cryptogenic stroke compared to non-users. These results stood, even after researchers adjusted for other factors which may have contributed to stroke risk (such as obesity and history of migraines).
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Zoom based ARNI Instructor training course; starts on September 20, 2025
ARNI runs the ONLY FUNCTIONAL REHABILITATION & EXERCISE TRAINING QUALIFICATION CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN THE UK which teaches experienced therapists and exercise instructors how to continue the rehabilitation path of stroke and other acquired brain injury survivor.
You will learn how to teach things that stroke survivors really want, and will ask you for help with. With this CPD you will be ready to meet the full needs of a referred client.
Functional rehabilitation & exercise training after stroke taught by ARNI is characterised by: essential upper and lower limb task practice in order to recover action control, innovative physical coping strategies in order to perform ADLs independently… and appropriate stroke-specific cardiovascular and resistance training.
Enrol now!!
arni.uk.com/instructors/
#neurorehab #strokeexercise #neurorehabilitation #strokerehab #exerciseafterstroke #strokerehabilitation #strokerecoveryexercises #strokeexerciseinstructor
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A new campaign by the NHS in England is encouraging people who experience the first sign of a stroke not to delay calling 999, after analysis of calls made in the last year showed the average time to do so was nearly an hour and a half.
England's most senior doctor says stroke symptoms might not appear obvious or dramatic, but they are always a reason to act quickly.
About 100,000 people have a stroke each year in the UK and more than a third die from related issues, making it the fourth biggest cause of death in the UK.
The most common symptoms are struggling to smile or raise an arm, and slurring words when speaking.
NHS England says recognising any one of these signs in yourself or others and dialling 999 urgently is crucial to getting prompt, specialist treatment.
Yet the average time taken to make that emergency call was 88 minutes in 2023-24, NHS data reveals.
The analysis, from a team at King's College London, looked at data for more than 41,000 stroke patients who were taken by ambulance to hospital.
NHS England also said a recent poll they carried out found a mistaken belief that two or three stroke symptoms were necessary before calling 999.
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Dr Tom says 'Do what you gotta do. And best to bin the word ‘therapy'; leave that to the professionals. Therapy largely describes ‘being done unto you’ rather than ‘you doing it’. You needed it badly in hospital and may well still need it for many critical areas. But equally it may not suitable as a substitute for consistent retraining, if you’re one of those lucky people who is now ambulant (albeit perhaps with some support). One of the biggest keys to progress is to understand that everyday active retraining, even if you’re very elderly, is the zone you need to be in. It doesn’t have to be hugely vigorous at all. It just needs to be suitable for you and above all, consistent'. ;;)
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#strokeexercise #neurorehabilitation #strokerehab #arnistrokerehab #strokerecovery #strokerehabilitation #neurorehab #neuroplasticity #strokerecoveryexercises
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Lifting a book placed between your thumb and fingers is just one example of pinch gripping and release attempts you can try. Here, you are going to try to pinch a book, hold it up and move it about in space in the shape of a large cross and then release it. Stroke survivors with spasticity must work on finger and thumb relaxation in lots of ways.
If you need some help we have trainers throughout the country. Call us on 0203 053 0111 or email support@arni.uk.com to find out if there's one near you who can help you with your recovery.
www.arni.uk.c#strokerecoveryo#neuroplasticityi#strokerehabr#NeuroRehabr#arnistrokecharitya#strokeexerciser#arnistroketroke
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