High Intensity Interval Training POst-STroke (HIIT-POST): Perspectives of People Living With Stroke and Health Professionals.

Background: High intensity interval training (HIIT) is a mode of aerobic exercise that can increase neurotrophin concentration, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance recovery post-stroke. However, HIIT is not commonly prescribed in stroke rehabilitation. Exploring the clinical utility of, and barriers and facilitators to, HIIT is necessary to optimize clinical use.

Objective: To identify perceptions of HIIT from people with stroke and health professionals working in stroke rehabilitation.

Methods: People with stroke and health professionals in Australia were invited to participate in an online questionnaire. Participants were further invited to complete a one-on-one semi-structured interview. A Framework Analysis approach was applied to identify key themes.

Results: Twenty-six people with stroke (mean ± standard deviation = 49.2 ± 60.6 months post-stroke, 57.7% female) and 37 health professionals (2 medical and 35 allied health) completed questionnaires. Ten people with stroke (5 female) and 8 allied health professionals completed an interview. Aerobic exercise was not considered a priority after stroke, though participants were interested in HIIT. People with stroke reported a lack of understanding of the benefits of HIIT and use of the term "high intensity" as barriers to participation. Facilitators included education about safety of HIIT and referral to health professionals. Health professionals reported a lack of knowledge of HIIT prescription parameters and participant motivation as barriers to prescription. Facilitators included education of HIIT prescription and benefits and appropriate screening prior to commencement.

Conclusions: People with stroke and health professionals are interested in HIIT after stroke. Increasing knowledge and confidence to participate in, and prescribe HIIT, may increase clinical use.