Impact of a 12-week high-intensity interval training intervention on cardiac structure and function after COVID-19 at
Iben Elmerdahl Rasmussen1,2, Mathilde Løk2,3, Cody Garett Durrer1
1Centre for Physical Activity Research, University Hospital Copenhagen - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Insights
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) preserved left ventricular mass (LVM) in COVID-19 survivors at 12 months. This exercise intervention did not improve pulmonary function or reduce symptom severity compared to standard care.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Previous hospitalization for COVID-19 can lead to long-term cardiovascular and pulmonary sequelae.
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has shown potential in improving cardiac function post-COVID-19.
- Long-term effects of HIIT on cardiac structure, pulmonary function, and symptoms in COVID-19 survivors are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the 12-month effects of a 12-week supervised HIIT program on left ventricular mass (LVM) in patients previously hospitalized for COVID-19.
- To assess the impact of HIIT on pulmonary diffusing capacity, symptom severity, and functional capacity at 12-month follow-up.
Main Methods:
- Investigator-blinded, randomized controlled trial comparing supervised HIIT (4x4 min, 3x/week) to standard care.
- Left ventricular mass (LVM) assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) at baseline and 12-month follow-up.
- Pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), symptom severity (PCFS), and functional status (KBILD) were also measured.
Main Results:
- LVM was maintained in the HIIT group but not in the standard care group at 12 months (mean difference 9.68 g, P=0.0182).
- No significant differences were observed between groups in the change of pulmonary diffusing capacity (DLCO) from baseline to 12 months.
- Symptom severity and functional status improved similarly in both the HIIT and standard care groups.
Conclusions:
- A 12-week supervised HIIT program can preserve left ventricular mass in individuals previously hospitalized for COVID-19 at 12-month follow-up.
- The studied HIIT regimen did not demonstrate significant benefits on pulmonary diffusing capacity or symptom severity compared to standard care.
- Further research is needed to explore optimal exercise interventions for comprehensive recovery in post-COVID-19 patients.
Abstract:
In patients previously hospitalised for COVID-19, a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention has previously been shown to increase left ventricular mass (LVM) immediately after the intervention. In the present study, we examined the effects of the same HIIT scheme on LVM, pulmonary diffusing capacity, symptom severity and functional capacity at 12-month follow-up. In this investigator-blinded, randomised controlled trial, 12 weeks of a supervised HIIT scheme (4 × 4 min, three times a week) was compared to standard care (control) in patients recently discharged from hospital due to COVID-19. At inclusion and at 12-month follow-up, LVM was assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI, primary outcome), while pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCOc, secondary outcome) was examined by the single-breath method. Symptom severity and functional status were examined by the Post-COVID-19 Functional Scale (PCFS) and King's Brief Interstitial Lung Disease (KBILD) questionnaire score. Of the 28 patients assessed at baseline, 22 completed cMRI at 12-month follow-up (12.4 ± 0.6 months after inclusion). LVM was maintained in the HIIT but not the standard care group, with a mean between-group difference of 9.68 [95% CI: 1.72, 17.64] g (P = 0.0182). There was no differences in change from baseline to 12-month follow-up between groups in DLCOc % predicted (-2.45 [-11.25, 6.34]%; P = 0.578). PCFS and KBILD improved similarly in the two groups. In individuals previously hospitalised for COVID-19, a 12-week supervised HIIT scheme resulted in a preserved LVM at 12-month follow-up but did not affect pulmonary diffusing capacity or symptom severity.
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