New Research Says This Is the Type of Exercise That Can Help You Recover from a Stroke the Fastest—and It's Probably Not What You Think
Recovering from a stroke is difficult, to say the least. It makes sense that the period after may leave you feeling fatigued, irritable, weak, in pain or unable to problem-solve, for example.
If you’ve had a stroke or know someone who has, you’ve probably already heard about helpful steps to take afterward. Stroke rehabilitation can look like mobility training, motor skills exercises, medication, mental health counseling and speech therapy.
Related: The Unexpected Stroke Sign Most People Miss, According to a Vascular Neurologist
Another helpful step is exercise. Interestingly, recent research claims that HIIT—or high-intensity interval training—will help you recover fastest. While it sounds intense, it may not be as bad as you think. Here's what you need to know.
Why HIIT Is Helpful Post-Stroke
First, why is exercise helpful after a stroke, generally speaking? According to a 2023 study in JAMA Network Open, it can lead to full recovery after six months. Plus, a 2017 study in Exercise for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment says aerobic exercise after a stroke can help improve physical fitness, cognitive abilities, endurance, balance, quality of life, mobility and health outcomes.
But back to HIIT. The aforementioned 2024 study published in Stroke found that one-minute bursts of HIIT are more effective for improving cardiorespiratory fitness (aka, the body’s ability to supply oxygen to the muscles during physical activity) than continuous, moderate exercise. More specifically, participants in the HIIT group improved twice as much as participants in the moderate exercise group.
Related: Want to Get In Shape Without the Time Commitment? Try One Of These HIIT Workouts for Beginners
Doctors agree that HIIT has several benefits. “High-intensity interval training exercises improve cardiovascular fitness by improving cardiac function, lowering blood pressure and increasing insulin sensitivity,” said vascular cardiologist Dr. Rohit Vuppuluri, DO for a previous Parade article.
What a HIIT Workout Can Look Like
HIIT exercises are what they sound like: “going hard” for short periods (with breaks in between). They don’t require gym equipment, either, so they can easily be done in your home or at the park.
Related: This Is What Happens to Your Body if You Do 10 Pushups Every Day
The amount of HIIT workout combinations are endless, and you can create them yourself. During these one-minute bursts, you could mix up jumping rope, holding a plank, running, burpees, high knees, pushups, air squats and much more.
In between those bursts, rest! The length of time to rest depends on the exercise and your body, but it may range from 10 seconds to two minutes.
Any exercise is better than no exercise, though, so if HIIT won’t work for you, consider another physical activity that will. And of course, most importantly, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider first and foremost about what is best for your body right now.
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Sources
Dr. Rohit Vuppuluri, DO, a vascular neurologist
Effects of stroke, Better Health Channel
Stroke rehabilitation: What to expect as you recover, Mayo Clinic
Clinical Evidence of Exercise Benefits for Stroke, Exercise for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment
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