HIIT vs MCIT for Stroke-Related Sarcopenia in Ischemic Stroke

Inclusion Criteria: * First-ever stroke. * Age 18 years or older. * Diagnosis of ischemic stroke. * Stroke duration between 1-6 months (subacute phase). * Modified Rankin Scale score \< 3. * Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥ 24. * Brunnstrom lower extremity motor stage between Stage III-V. * Lower extremity functional capacity sufficient to allow exercise participation (able to ambulate at least with an assistive device). * Lower extremity spasticity ≤ 2 according to the Modified Ashworth Scale. * Independent sitting balance (able to sit unsupported for at least 30 seconds). * Presence of sufficient voluntary active movement in the lower extremity to permit exercise application. * Ability to communicate. * Willingness to participate in the study and provision of written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of hemispatial neglect. * History of recurrent stroke. * Presence of a psychiatric disorder. * Presence of orthopedic, neurological, or cardiopulmonary conditions that would contraindicate the planned exercise protocols.