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A Real-World High-Intensity Interval Training Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Improvement

A Real-World High-Intensity Interval Training Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Improvement

Published on: February 22, 2022

Effectiveness of high intensity interval training supplemented with peripheral and inspiratory resistance training in

Miek Hornikx¹, Roselien Buys¹, Veronique Cornelissen¹

¹Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.

Acta Cardiologica

|May 25, 2019

Insights

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with resistance training (RHIIT) improved peripheral and inspiratory muscle strength in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients more than standard cardiac rehabilitation. The RHIIT program showed similar peak exercise capacity improvements in a shorter period.

Area of Science:

Cardiology
Exercise Physiology
Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is vital for chronic heart failure (CHF) management.
Optimal CR training protocols for CHF remain debated.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) with peripheral (PRT) and inspiratory resistance training (IRT) may offer superior benefits over standard moderate-intensity interval training.

Purpose of the Study:

To compare a standard CR program with a novel resistance training supplemented HIIT (RHIIT) program in CHF patients.
To evaluate the effects of RHIIT on exercise capacity, muscle strength, quality of life, and physical activity.

Main Methods:

A randomized controlled pilot study involving 20 CHF patients.
Patients were assigned to either the standard CR or RHIIT program for 3 months.
Measurements included peak exercise capacity (VO2peak), peripheral (QF) and inspiratory muscle strength (MIP), quality of life (QOL), and physical activity.

Main Results:

The RHIIT program significantly improved peripheral (QF) and inspiratory muscle strength (MIP) compared to the standard program.
Both programs yielded similar improvements in peak exercise capacity (VO2peak).
Ventilatory efficiency and physical activity levels remained stable across both groups.

Conclusions:

HIIT supplemented with PRT and IRT (RHIIT) is a potentially effective and applicable protocol for CHF patients.
The RHIIT program achieved similar VO2peak improvements in a shorter duration, potentially enhancing adherence in CHF patients.
Larger studies are needed to validate these findings and confirm RHIIT's role in CHF management.

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Abstract:

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an evidence-based therapy in chronic heart failure (CHF). There is still debate about the optimal training protocol in CHF. The use of high intensity interval training (HIIT) supplemented with peripheral (PRT) and inspiratory resistance training (IRT) might be more beneficial because of the higher impact on the peripheral and inspiratory muscles, with less symptoms of dyspnoea and lower amount of dropouts as a result. We compared our standard exercise-based CR programme, mainly consisting of moderate intensity interval training to a programme combining HIIT, PRT and IRT (resistance training supplemented HIIT (RHIIT) programme).Design: Randomised controlled pilot study.Methods: Twenty patients with CHF were randomised on a 1:1 basis to the standard or RHIIT programme. At baseline and after 3 months, peak exercise capacity (VO₂peak), peripheral (QF) and inspiratory respiratory muscle strength (MIP), quality of life (QOL) and physical activity were measured.Results: The RHIIT programme resulted in a significantly larger improvement in QF (ΔQF RHIIT programme: 19.3 ± 11.8 vs standard programme: -6.89 ± 19.0 Nm (p < .01)) and MIP (ΔMIP RHIIT programme: -44.9 ± 29.9 vs standard programme: 0.56 ± 19.4 cmH₂O (p < .01)). Both programmes equally improved in VO₂peak (p = .91), whereas ventilatory efficiency and physical activity remained stable.Conclusion: HIIT supplemented with PRT and IRT might be applicable as standard protocol in CHF. Larger studies are warranted to confirm our findings. The RHIIT programme resulted in similar training effects in VO₂peak in a shorter training period. This might be beneficial in a chronic patient population such as CHF, where adherence is difficult.

Keywords:

Cardiac rehabilitation chronic heart failure high intensity interval training inspiratory resistance training peripheral resistance training

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