Recent research explores whether High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), traditionally used for cardiovascular fitness, may also aid neuroplasticity and cognitive recovery in stroke survivors. A 2021 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences assessed how HIIT impacts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), synaptic plasticity, and cerebral blood flow—key markers for neurorehabilitation.
Key Findings:
- HIIT promotes upregulation of BDNF, which supports neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.
- Improves cognitive functions such as memory, executive function, and attention.
- In animal models, HIIT showed better neuroplastic outcomes compared to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT).
Clinical Insight: While most stroke rehab still favors traditional aerobic exercise, HIIT presents a promising complementary approach, especially when customized to the patient’s cardiovascular status and physical tolerance.
Takeaway for Physios: Incorporating well-monitored HIIT into stroke rehab may accelerate both cognitive and functional recovery, especially in younger or higher-functioning patients post-stroke.
