Author(s): LIN, Y.T., WANG, J., Institution: CHANG GUNG UNIVERSITY, Country: TAIWAN, Abstract-ID: 1247

INTRODUCTION:
Stroke is often accompanied by systemic inflammation, leading to immune dysfunction in the circulatory system. Mitochondrial bioenergetics of lymphocytes are crucial in maintaining the adaptive immune system. Therefore, lymphocyte mitochondrial bioenergetics may serve as predictive biomarkers for stroke prognosis. Exercise training may impact immune functions by affecting mitochondrial biogenetics. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of high-intensity exercise training (HIIT) on lymphocyte mitochondrial bioenergetics in stroke patients.
METHODS:
Among the 12 stroke patients who underwent the traditional rehabilitation program (TRP), 6 were randomly assigned to have HIIT (40% to 80% of VO2peak at 3-minute intervals for 30 min/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks), and those remaining received only the TRP (control group). Peak aerobic capacity and exercise endurance were evaluated by graded exercise testing and a 6-minute walking test (6MWT), respectively. Phenotype characteristics and mitochondrial respiratory capacity in blood lymphocytes were analyzed using flow cytometry and high-resolution respirometry, respectively.
RESULTS:
The results demonstrated that stroke patients who underwent HIIT increased the value of VO2peak and the distance of 6MWT as well as enhanced the capacities of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and electron transport chain (ETC) in blood lymphocytes. However, there were no changes in systemic aerobic capacity/endurance and lymphocyte mitochondrial respiratory capacity in stroke patients who only received TRP.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, HIIT improves lymphocyte mitochondrial bioenergetic efficiency by increasing the OXPHOS and ETC capacities in stroke patients. Moreover, the exercise regimen also enhances systemic aerobic capacity and exercise endurance in stroke patients.