Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026

A Real-World High-Intensity Interval Training Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Improvement
Published on: February 22, 2022
Optimization of high intensity interval exercise in coronary heart disease
Thibaut Guiraud1, Martin Juneau, Anil Nigam
1Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention Center (EPIC) of the Montreal Heart Institute, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.
Abstract:
High intensity interval training has been shown to be more effective than moderate intensity continuous training for improving maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). However, no evidence supports the prescription of one specific protocol of high intensity interval exercise (HIIE) in this population. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute cardiopulmonary responses with four different single bouts of HIIE in order to identify the most optimal one in CHD patients. Nineteen stable CHD patients (17 males, 2 females, 65 +/- 8 years) performed four different bouts of HIIE, all with exercise phases at 100% of maximal aerobic power (MAP), but which varied in interval duration (15 s for mode A and B and 60 s for mode C and D) and type of recovery (0% of MAP for modes A and C and 50% of MAP for modes B and D). A passive recovery phase resulted in a longer time to exhaustion compared to an active recovery phase, irrespective of the duration of the exercise and recovery periods (15 or 60 s, p < 0.05). Time to exhaustion also tended to be higher with mode A relative to mode C (p = 0.06). Despite differences in time to exhaustion between modes, time spent at a high percentage of VO(2max) was similar between HIIE modes except for less time spent above 90 and 95% of VO(2max) for mode C when compared with modes B and D. When considering perceived exertion, patient comfort and time spent above 80% of VO(2max), mode A appeared to be the optimal HIIE session for these coronary patients.
More Related Videos
07:40Impact of High-intensity Interval Exercise and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise on the Cardiac Troponin T Level at an Early Stage of Training
Published on: October 10, 2019
06:28A Chronic High-Intensity Interval Training and Diet-Induced Obesity Model to Maximize Exercise Effort and Induce Physiologic Changes in Rats
Published on: April 28, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Cardiac Output I:Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output (CO) refers to the total amount of blood ejected by one of the ventricles in liters per minute (L/min). In a resting adult, CO ranges from 5 to 6 L/min, adjusting according to the body's metabolic requirements.
Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output adapts to metabolic demands during stress, physical activity, or illness. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate via the sinoatrial node. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart rate...