Objective. To assess the effect of innovative "High-Intensity Interval Training" (HIIT) on Heart Rate Variability, a strong biomarker of positive outcome after stroke. Design. A randomized controlled study with blinded assessment of the main criteria. Population. NIHSS\<20 post-stroke patients, hospitalized in secondary care stroke-units within the first 3 months (sub-acute phase). Selection. Eligibility test on a semi-recumbent cycloergometer Intervention. In addition to a standard neurorehabilitation program (3±1 sessions daily, including cognitive and occupational therapy, physiotherapy with strengthening-stretching exercises), the aerobic group will benefit from a HIIT procedure (HIIT group) with a semi-recumbent cycloergometer, for 6 weeks representing 16 sessions; while the non-aerobic group will undertake a "Low-Intensity Group-Gymnastic Training" (Control or LIGT Group) (=segmental strengthening-stretching and proprioceptive exercises mainly), with the same training volume and frequency for both groups. Main outcome measure. Standard Deviation of Normal-to-Normal RR intervals (SDNN) from 24h Holter-ECG recordings at W4, W8 and M6. Modifications in patients' medical management are expected, as generalization of AT in moderate to severe stroke patients at the sub-acute phase, with "Low volume HIIT" and simple devices.
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SDNN
Timeframe: Week 1, Week 8, Month 6