Effect of high aerobic intensity interval treadmill walking in people with chronic stroke: A pilot study with one year follow-up

You will notice that this was mainly to determine oxygen uptake
http://www.naric.com/research/rehab/record.cfm?search=2&type=all&criteria=J64289&phrase=no&rec=119410
 Abstract: Study examined the effect and feasibility of 4 weeks of high aerobic intensity treadmill walking in 8 people with chronic stroke. Uphill treadmill walking was tested in 4 x 4-minute work periods at an intensity between 85 and 95 percent of peak heart rate from initial maximal treadmill testing. There were 3-minute active breaks between the intervals. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed at 4 time points: baseline, pretraining, posttraining, and 1-year follow-up. The main outcome measures were peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and walking economy (Cw). Overall compliance and adverse events determined the feasibility. VO2peak increased from 2.32 at pretraining to 2.60 liters per minute at posttraining; Cw improved from 1.12 to 1.04 liters per minute. At 1 year follow-up, VO2peak was 2.59 liter per minute and was not significantly different from posttraining measurement. Cw was 1.19 liters per minute at 1-year follow-up and thus was worse than posttraining. Functional improvements were found in the 6-minute walk test, 10-meter walk test, and Timed Up and Go test at posttests. Results indicate that high aerobic intensity interval treadmill walking significantly increased VO2peak and improved Cw in these subjects. The training was feasible and may have important implications for cardiovascular health and future rehabilitation programs in this population.