Does Cardiorespiratory Interval Training Improve Post-stroke Fatigue

Post-stroke fatigue is common and negatively influences post-stroke recovery. Today, there is insufficient evidence how to treatment post-stroke fatigue. Our objective is to investigate if a structured cardiorespiratory interval training program added to the early supported discharge (ESD)-service results in relieved post-stroke fatigue and increased oxygen uptake. This is a 1:1 prospective randomized open- label trial(Two-centre study) with blinded evaluators (PROBE-design) of 50 participants referred to ESD with study start at 4 (±1) weeks after discharge from the stroke unit. The intervention group (N=25) receives a structured cardiorespiratory interval training program on ergometer cycle, 30-40 minutes, 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The cardiorespiratory interval training program comprises of 4x4 minute interval, at 70 to 80% of peak heart rate, interrupted by 3 minutes active recovery. The control group (N=25) receives usual ESD care. The primary outcome will be a shift in the Swedish Fatigue Assessment Scale before intervention (baseline) versus 8 weeks months after start of intervention in the intervention and control groups. Secondary outcomes include cardiorespiratory fitness, compliance, adherence and adverse events.