Physical fitness training after stroke-a crucial and exciting field for service development and research

In this issue, Krawcyk and colleagues report one year follow up data from the High-Intensity Training in Patients with Lacunar Stroke (HITPALS). 1 The paper Google Scholar High-intensity interval training (HIIT) involves repeated intervals of high-intensity activity interspersed with rest or active lower-intensity recovery intervals; HIIT can achieve similar fitness benefits as continuous endurance workouts, but in shorter periods of time. 2 Steen Krawcyk R. Vinther A. Petersen N.C. et al. Effect of 46 home-based high-intensity interval training in patients with lacunar stroke: a randomized controlled 47. Trial Front Neurol. 2019; 10: 664 Crossref PubMed Scopus (21) Google Scholar Krawcyk et al had previously shown that HIIT performed at home, guided by weekly motivational phone calls for three months, was feasible and safe in patients with lacunar stroke, but that there was no effect on cardiorespiratory fitness. 2 Steen Krawcyk R. Vinther A. Petersen N.C. et al. Effect of 46 home-based high-intensity interval training in patients with lacunar stroke: a randomized controlled 47. Trial Front Neurol. 2019; 10: 664 Crossref PubMed Scopus (21) Google Scholar The current paper demonstrates that by one year activity levels had declined to baseline levels, 1 The paper Google Scholar suggesting that barriers to activity maintenance need to be addressed.