A case series of acute responses to high-intensity interval training in four males with permanent atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a serious medical condition and a burgeoning patient population. Chronic exercise training, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), has been shown to improve symptoms and quality of life in patients with AF. Yet, the acute responses to HIIT in this population remain understudied, leaving clinicians and patients hesitant about prescribing and engaging in high-intensity exercise, respectively.

This case series describes acute exercise responses [i.e. power output, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), symptoms] to 10 weeks (3 days/week) of HIIT. Participants were four white males (58-80 years old) with permanent AF, co-morbidities (diabetes, coronary artery disease, Parkinson's disease), and physical limitations. The increases in HR and BP during HIIT were modest across all participants, regardless of age and medication use. Differences in RPE were observed; the oldest participant perceived the sessions as more challenging despite a lower HR response. All patients complied with the HIIT prescription of 80-100% of peak power output by week 4. No adverse events were reported.

Patients' concerns regarding high-intensity exercise may discourage them from participating in HIIT, our results demonstrated no abnormal HR or BP (e.g. hypotension) responses during HIIT or cool-down. These findings align with the typical exercise responses noted in other cardiovascular populations. Notwithstanding the high metabolic demands of HIIT, male patients with permanent AF tolerated HIIT without problem. Further investigation of HIIT as an approach to enable those with AF to recover physical capacity and minimize symptomatology is warranted.