Introduction: Stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the second most common cause of death. Poorer physical fitness after stroke is associated with increased disability and frequent functional limitations, such as difficulty walking. Physical inactivity and reduced cardiorespiratory fitness are also risk factors for recurrent stroke and other comorbid conditions. Purpose: To determine the impact of high-intensity interval training on cardiorespiratory endurance and walking function in individuals after a stroke, based on a review of scientific and professional literature. Methods: The literature was searched in the PubMed database, with a time frame from 2015 to 2025. The following combination of words was used: high-intensity interval training AND stroke. Results: Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, six randomized controlled trials were included in the literature review. A total of 297 individuals after a stroke were included in the research. Four studies compared high-intensity interval training with moderate-intensity continuous training, and two studies compared high-intensity interval training with usual medical care. Training programs lasted from four to 24 weeks. The frequency of training sessions ranged from three to five times per week. The average duration of the main part of the training unit was 22 minutes. In four studies, participants in the experimental group achieved a statistically significant greater improvement in peak oxygen consumption compared to the control group. In two studies, the experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in the six-minute walk test result compared to the control group, with one of these studies also reporting a statistically significant increase in walking speed. In one study, the experimental group also showed s statistically significant improvement in the Berg Balance Scale and the Trail Making Test – Part B, compared to the control group. Discussion and conclusion: High-intensity interval training has been shown to be effective in improving physical fitness, and to some extent also walking function, in individuals after stroke. To confirm the impact on cognition, further research is needed. High-intensity interval training has been shown to be safe for individuals after a stroke in the chronic phase. Additionally, the duration of the workout is shorter, which is suitable for people with a lack of time.
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