Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2025

A Real-World High-Intensity Interval Training Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Improvement
Published on: February 22, 2022
Effects of high intensity interval-based inspiratory muscle training in patients with heart failure: A single-blind
Aylin Tanriverdi1, Sema Savci2, Buse Ozcan Kahraman2
1Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey; Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey.
Background:
Given the promising effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT), determining the most appropriate IMT protocol will optimize the training benefits.
Objectives:
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of high intensity interval-based inspiratory muscle training (H-IMT) on cardiovascular, pulmonary, physical, and psychosocial functions in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
Methods:
Thirty-four patients with HFrEF were randomly assigned to the H-IMT or control group for 3 days/week, 8 weeks training period. The H-IMT group performed IMT at least 70% of the maximal inspiratory pressure, whereas the control group performed unloaded IMT. Each session occurred 7 sets with a total of 21 min consisting of 2-min training and 1-min interval. Heart rate variability (HRV), arterial stiffness, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, diaphragm thickness, quadriceps strength, functional capacity, frailty, dyspnea, fatigue, disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and generic HRQoL were evaluated at baseline and after 8 weeks training period by blinded assessors.
Results:
Statistically significant between-group differences were observed in the time domain parameters of HRV, arterial stiffness, inspiratory and quadriceps muscle strength, respiratory muscle endurance, diaphragm thickness, functional capacity, frailty, dyspnea, fatigue, and disease-specific HRQoL in favor of the H-IMT group (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
H-IMT is an effective protocol for improving cardiac autonomic function, arterial stiffness, inspiratory and quadriceps muscle strength, respiratory muscle endurance, diaphragm thickness, functional capacity, frailty, dyspnea, fatigue, and disease-specific quality of life in patients with HFrEF.
Clinical Trial Registration:
NCT04839211.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
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...
Heart Failure Drugs: Inotropic Agents
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Heart Failure V: Medical Management
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...

