Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2025
A Real-World High-Intensity Interval Training Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Improvement
Published on: February 22, 2022
Effect of high-intensity interval training in physiotherapy primary care for patients with inflammatory arthritis:
Kristine Røren Nordén1,2, Anne Grete Semb3, Hanne Dagfinrud4,2
1Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway kristineroren.norden@diakonsyk.no.
Objectives:
To assess the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) delivered in physiotherapy primary care on the primary outcome of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA). Additionally, to explore the effects of HIIT on secondary outcomes, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and disease activity.
Methods:
Single-blinded randomised controlled trial with 60 patients randomly assigned to either a control group receiving usual care or an exercise group receiving usual care and 12 weeks of individualised HIIT at 90%-95% peak heart rate. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months post baseline and included CRF measured as peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), classic CVD risk factors, disease activity, anthropometry and patient-reported physical activity, pain, fatigue, disease impact and exercise beliefs and self-efficacy.
Results:
Intention-to-treat analysis demonstrated a significant between-group difference in VO2peak at 3 months (2.5 mL/kg/min, 95% CI 0.9 to 4.0) and 6 months (2.6 mL/kg/min, 95% CI 0.8 to 4.3) in favour of the exercise group. A beneficial change in self-reported physical activity in favour of the exercise group was observed at 3 and 6 months. The HIIT intervention was well-tolerated with minimal adverse events and no apparent impact on disease activity. Differences in secondary outcomes related to CVD risk factors, disease impact, pain, fatigue and exercise beliefs and self-efficacy were generally small and non-significant.
Conclusion:
After 12 weeks of supervised HIIT delivered in physiotherapy primary care, patients with IA demonstrated a favourable improvement in CRF, with sustained effects at 6-month follow-up.
Trial Registration Number:
NCT04922840.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise 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...
01:24Chest Physiotherapy
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids