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High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to benefit stroke patients when implemented three months post-stroke. This study examined HIIT's feasibility and clinical effectiveness in the early post-stroke stage in Benin. This was a prospective interventional study comprising an HIIT programme executed on a recumbent bike, three times/week, 20–30 min/session for 6 weeks, added to a conventional physiotherapy. The primary outcomes were feasibility, credibility and expectancy assessed with credibility and expectancy questionnaire. A maximal exercise test, 6-min walking test (6MWT), 10-m walking test (10mWT), Berg balance scale (BBS) and five repetitions sit-to-stand test (5 R-STS) were performed before and after the training programme. Ten outpatients, with a median age [P25-P75]: 63.5[56.7–71.2] years; time since stroke: 15.0[9.7–21.0] days, started and completed all training sessions without serious adverse events. High scores were observed on the Credibility subscale at admission (27.0[25.7–27.0]), which remained so after intervention (26.5[25.7–27.0]). Expectancy subscale scores were high at admission (25.5[24.0–27.0]) and post-training (25.5[24.5–27.0]). Peak workload (p < 0.001), BBS (p < 0.001), 6MWT (p < 0.001), 10mWT (p < 0.001) and 5 R-STS (p = 0.004) were all improved. HIIT is feasible and safe in the early subacute post-stroke stage and is perceived by patients as highly credible, meeting their expectations of recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aimed to review the content and evaluate the effects of CBR on quality of life (QoL), balance, and walking capacity for people post stroke, compared to other rehabilitation protocols or no care. Methods: A systematic search and meta-analysis of clinical trials of CBR interventions for stroke survivors was conducted. Five online electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of sciences, Scopus, Hinari, and Pedro) were searched for articles published in English and French languages, from inception up to December 2021. Sixteen studies were included that reported on QoL outcomes from CBR interventions involving 1755 adults post stroke. Results: The different CBR interventions that were selected were grouped into three clusters: a) exercise programmes, b) task-oriented training, and c) educational and taking-charge programmes. CBR interventions were more effective than other rehabilitation protocols (SMD=0.16[0.02, 0.30], P=0.03, I² =40%) on QoL for people with chronic stroke. The effects of interventions on walking capacity and balance demonstrated non-significant difference (SMD=0.31[-0.02, 0.64], P=0.06, I² =88%, and SMD= 0.20[-0.12, 0.53], P=0.22, I² =68%, respectively). Conclusion: Current data indicates that CBR can be used in many forms or in combinations to benefit people with chronic stroke. Also, CBR is as effective as other rehabilitative protocols or no care on walking capacity and balance, while being more while being more effective than institution-based rehabilitation or no care effective than institution-based rehabilitation or no care, in improving quality of life which is a well-recognised goal in the rehabilitation of people with chronic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]