HIFT for Neurological Disorders

(SHIFT-AR Trial)

Overseen By Kaci Handlery, DPT

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Arkansas Colleges of Health Education

Disqualifiers: Under 18, Non-English speakers, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 24 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines how structured, group-based high intensity functional training (HIFT) affects the physical and mental well-being of individuals with neurological conditions and their care partners. Participants will attend supervised exercise sessions twice a week for up to two years. The study seeks individuals with a neurological diagnosis such as spinal cord injury, Parkinson's, or multiple sclerosis, as well as those who care for someone with these conditions. It is ideal for those ready to exercise and able to travel to the study location independently. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could improve the quality of life for those with neurological conditions.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that High Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) is safe for people with neurologic diagnoses and their care partners?

Research has shown that High Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) is generally safe for participants. Studies have found it to be a well-tolerated exercise, adaptable for people with different fitness levels. For instance, one study found that high-intensity training was safe and feasible for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), with participants improving their walking abilities. Another study confirmed that high-intensity exercise is safe and practical for various individuals.

Although HIFT is intense, it can be tailored to fit individual needs, making it a safe choice for many. So far, these studies have reported no major negative effects, suggesting that participants generally manage the training well. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

High Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) is unique because it offers a non-pharmacological approach to managing neurological disorders through regular, structured physical activity. Unlike traditional treatments that might rely on medication to manage symptoms, HIFT leverages high-intensity, functional exercises to potentially improve both physical and cognitive functions. Researchers are excited about HIFT because it could empower patients to take an active role in their treatment, potentially leading to improved quality of life and reduced reliance on medications with side effects. Additionally, the group exercise setting of HIFT promotes social interaction, which could further enhance mental well-being.

What evidence suggests that High Intensity Functional Training might be an effective treatment for neurological disorders?

Research has shown that High Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) can benefit people with neurological conditions. Studies have found that HIFT boosts short-term memory and attention, which are crucial mental skills. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, HIFT proved effective, suggesting potential benefits for other neurological issues. Participants in HIFT programs performed better in tasks like spatial learning and pattern recognition. These findings suggest that HIFT could be a promising method to enhance both physical and mental abilities in people with neurological conditions. ^{5 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 who can read and speak English, have a neurological condition like spinal cord injury, Parkinson's, stroke, or multiple sclerosis (or are care partners of someone with such conditions), can move their arms well, get around on their own, and have doctor approval to exercise. They must also handle their own transport to the study site.

Inclusion Criteria

My doctor has approved me to exercise.

Participants must be able to communicate and read in English

I can bend both my elbows almost fully strong.

Exclusion Criteria

Participants will be excluded if they fail to meet any of the inclusion requirements

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants engage in twice weekly group-based high intensity functional training (HIFT) exercise for up to 2 years

24 months

Twice weekly visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• High Intensity Functional Training (HIFT)

Trial Overview The study tests high intensity functional training (HIFT) exercises' effects on physical and mental health in people with neurological disorders and their caregivers. It involves structured group workouts designed for both populations.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: HIFT Exercise Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

In this single group design, all participants will be provided with up to two years of twice weekly supervised group exercise.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Arkansas Colleges of Health Education

Lead Sponsor

Trials

7

Recruited

1,200+

Published Research Related to This Trial

High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) combines elements of high-intensity interval training and strength exercises, leading to improved cardiovascular fitness and strength due to greater muscle recruitment compared to traditional aerobic exercises.

HIFT is associated with enhanced health markers, including cardiovascular and metabolic health, as well as cognitive function, which may contribute to reduced all-cause mortality.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

High-Intensity Functional Training: Molecular Mechanisms and Benefits. Ben-Zeev, T., Okun, E.[2022]

High-intensity functional training (HIFT) sessions can lead to significant energy expenditure, averaging about 485 kcal per session, which translates to approximately 1400 kcal per week, making it a time-efficient exercise option.

The intensity of HIFT was found to be vigorous, with METs ranging from 5.5 to 11.6, and participants reaching about 80% of their maximum heart rate, indicating that HIFT can effectively meet exercise guidelines for improving health outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Energy Expenditure and Intensity of Group-Based High-Intensity Functional Training: A Brief Report. Willis, EA., Szabo-Reed, AN., Ptomey, LT., et al.[2020]

A 16-week High Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) program led to significant improvements in strength and metabolic conditioning for both men and women, with notable performance gains across various workouts.

Women showed greater enhancements in Bone Mineral Content (BMC) compared to men, particularly in the trunk area, indicating potential gender differences in bone health adaptations from HIFT.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Changes in body composition, bone metabolism, strength, and skill-specific performance resulting from 16-weeks of HIFT. Feito, Y., Hoffstetter, W., Serafini, P., et al.[2023]

High Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) athletes demonstrated aerobic capacity (VO2peak) comparable to endurance athletes, indicating that HIFT can effectively improve cardiovascular fitness.

HIFT athletes also exhibited significant strength and power outputs similar to power athletes, suggesting that HIFT is an effective training method for enhancing both endurance and strength components in physical fitness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physiological profile comparison between high intensity functional training, endurance and power athletes. Adami, PE., Rocchi, JE., Melke, N., et al.[2022]

The study found an overall injury rate of 3.51 injuries per 1000 hours of high intensity functional training (HIFT), with 59.2% of participants experiencing two or more injuries, primarily affecting the shoulder (21.3%), lower back (18.3%), and knee (13.4%).

Interestingly, experienced athletes (training over 12 months) were more prone to injuries compared to newer participants, but factors like warm-up and cooldown practices, training frequency, and participation in other sports did not significantly influence injury rates.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Epidemiology of High Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) injuries in Brazil. Serafim, TT., Maffulli, N., Migliorini, F., et al.[2023]

In a study involving 10 healthy males, both short (<5 minutes) and longer (15 minutes) High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) sessions resulted in similar transient stress on the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), as indicated by unchanged heart rate variability and catecholamine levels.

Both HIFT durations caused a temporary decrease in heart rate variability markers immediately after exercise, with recovery occurring within 2 hours, suggesting that the duration of HIFT does not significantly affect ANS recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Autonomic response to a short and long bout of high-intensity functional training. Kliszczewicz, B., Williamson, C., Bechke, E., et al.[2018]

Injuries during high-intensity functional training (HIFT) occur at rates comparable to other sports and exercise programs, with a mean injury prevalence of 35% and an injury rate of about 3 injuries per 1,000 hours of training based on a comprehensive review of 24 studies.

The most common injuries in HIFT are to the shoulders, backs, and knees, primarily linked to weightlifting exercises, indicating that while HIFT can be effective, attention to technique and injury prevention is crucial.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Injuries During High-Intensity Functional Training. Knapik, JJ.[2022]

High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) significantly improved cognitive performance, particularly working memory, compared to both moderate walking and a control group that was inactive, based on tests like the Digit Span Test.

In a study involving 35 healthy individuals, HIFT was shown to be more effective than walking at 60% heart rate reserve in enhancing cognitive performance, suggesting that this type of exercise may offer unique benefits for mental function.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Functional high-intensity exercise is more effective in acutely increasing working memory than aerobic walking: an exploratory randomized, controlled trial. Wilke, J.[2021]

High Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) programs, such as CrossFit and HITT, offer practical benefits for military personnel, including shorter training times and lower injury potential compared to traditional endurance training, while still achieving significant fitness outcomes.

HIFT promotes various health benefits, including improved metabolic conditioning and muscular strength, and is scalable to all fitness levels, making it a recommended standard for military physical training despite the need for further research on its implementation and comparison with traditional training methods.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Benefits of High-Intensity Functional Training Fitness Programs for Military Personnel. Haddock, CK., Poston, WS., Heinrich, KM., et al.[2022]

High-intensity functional training (HIFT) focuses on functional, multi-joint movements that can be adapted for any fitness level, potentially leading to greater muscle recruitment compared to traditional exercises.

While high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been well-studied for its metabolic and cardiorespiratory benefits, the effects of HIFT are less understood, highlighting the need for further research to evaluate its impact on health and fitness outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT): Definition and Research Implications for Improved Fitness. Feito, Y., Heinrich, KM., Butcher, SJ., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9817969/

Acute physiological outcomes of high-intensity functional ... A scoping review investigating the present literature surrounding the acute physiological response to HIFT-based exercise was chosen as a more appropriate ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06879821

Study Details | NCT06879821 | High-intensity Functional ... The current study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of a HIFT training protocol in a specific population, such as people with Parkinson's disease. Detailed ...

3. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69139-z

Functional high-intensity exercise is more effective in ... The results of the present study suggest that HIFT can acutely improve CP, namely short-term/working memory and inhibitory control. Verifying ...

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-wounds-and-injuries-7-2023-a617e

HIFT for Neurological Disorders (SHIFT-AR Trial) Research shows that High Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) can improve working memory and cognitive performance, which might be beneficial for neurological ...

5. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/behavioral-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2020.577390/full

The Effects of High-intensity Functional Training (HIFT) on ... The HIFT group achieved higher scores in the spatial learning task, pattern separation task, and in the attention span test, compared with controls.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6162410/

High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) - PubMed Central - NIH High-intensity functional training (HIFT) is an exercise modality that emphasizes functional, multi-joint movements that can be modified to any fitness level.

7. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06945835

Study Details | NCT06945835 | High Intensity Exercise and ... A prior study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the HIM High Intensity Exercise Program and found it feasible, safe, and ...

8. medicine.yale.edu medicine.yale.edu/news-article/high-intensity-exercise-can-reverse-neurodegeneration-in-parkinsons-disease/

High-intensity Exercise May Reverse Neurodegeneration in ... High-intensity exercise induces brain-protective effects that have the potential to not just slow down, but possibly reverse, the neurodegeneration associated ...

9. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211034823002523

High intensity exercise training on functional outcomes in ... High-intensity training is a safe and feasible modality for people with MS. · Adults with MS may achieve walking improvements through high-intensity training.