Abstract
Background: Peak Velocity Interval Training (PVIT) is a task-specific, velocity-based gait training method designed to deliver high-intensity treadmill walking safely in individuals with chronic stroke. Previous work has demonstrated its feasibility, but the associated physiological responses remain less characterized.
Objective: To describe heart rate (HR) behavior during PVIT, examine its relationship to treadmill speed across training sessions, and assess feasibility and safety from a clinical cardiovascular perspective.
Methods: Data were analyzed from a randomized controlled trial involving 77 participants with chronic stroke who completed 12 PVIT sessions. Each session included progressive treadmill intervals designed to target peak walking speed. HR was continuously monitored, and HRpeak was defined as the maximum HR reached during the highest treadmill speed interval. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the relationship between HRpeak and peak treadmill speed across sessions.
Results: HR increased during peak intervals and returned toward baseline during recovery, demonstrating consistent within- and across-session patterns. A significant positive association was found between peak treadmill speed and HRpeak (β=0.54, p<0.001), corresponding to an approximate increase of 23.9 bpm per 1.0 m/s increase in speed. While this group-level pattern was evident, inter-individual variability in HR responses was also apparent. No adverse events occurred, and HR recovery remained within protocol-defined safety thresholds.
Conclusion: PVIT elicited predictable cardiovascular engagement and was well tolerated by individuals post-stroke. Despite inter-individual variability, group-level heart responses tracked with treadmill speed, supporting PVIT as a safe, individualized approach to high-intensity, task-specific gait training after stroke.
Keywords
Stroke, Treadmill training, High intensity, Walking, Speed, Heart Rate