HYPOXIC CONDITIONING IN POSTSTROKE REHABILITATION: AIMING TO IMPROVE EXERCISE TOLERANCE (PILOT STUDY)

Background. Rehabilitation of stroke patients is a complex issue requiring a multidisciplinary approach using innovative physical and medicinal support. One such promising method is hypoxic conditioning (HC). Several studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in improving cardiorespiratory endurance, cognitive function, and emotional status in patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases and pulmonary pathology. However, this method has not been used in the rehabilitation of post-stroke patients. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of HC treatments inclusion in particular protocols of intermittent hypoxic-hyperoxic exposures (IHHE), into a comprehensive rehabilitation program with the aim of enhancing exercise tolerance and cardiorespiratory efficiency in patients ≥6 months after ACCF. Materials and methods. A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 23 patients who had suffered an ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke ≥6 months earlier, divided into a study group (n=11) and a control group (n=12). The study group received standard rehabilitation with the addition of 10–12 IHHE procedures (FiO₂ 0.110.12 hypoxic phase, FiO₂ 0.35–0.40 hyperoxic phase). The control group received only the standard rehabilitation program. Outcomes were assessed based on the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), work performed (W, work-KJ), Borg scale, pre- and post 6MWT HR, blood pressure, haemoglobin saturation (SpO2), as well as psycho-emotional state assessed before and after 3-weeks rehabilitation program.