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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

A Real-World High-Intensity Interval Training Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Improvement
Published on: February 22, 2022
High-intensity interval training in an adolescent with cystic fibrosis: a physiological perspective
H J Hulzebos1, H Snieder, J van der Et
1Child Development & Exercise Center, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. h.hulzebos@umcutrecht.nl
Abstract:
Nutritional, musculoskeletal, and/or ventilatory status can lead to a decreased exercise capacity in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Exercise training is already part of the usual care; however, the "optimal" intensity and volume of exercise training to improve exercise capacity is still unknown. Six weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIT) for a patient with CF with a ventilatory limitation was evaluated by a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Peak oxygen uptake and peak workload increased 19% and 16%, respectively, and there was a rise in peak ventilation from 50 L/min to 75 L/min, with an increase in both breathing depth and respiratory rate. A relative short period of HIT resulted in a significant increase in exercise capacity. In patients with CF, HIT might be an effective and efficient training regimen, especially in CF patients with a ventilatory limitation. Further research is necessary to investigate whether HIT is a better alternative than traditional aerobic training programs especially in ventilatory limited patients with CF.
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