High-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training for COPD: a systematics review and...

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation
• Exercise Physiology
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) significantly impairs exercise capacity, lung function, and muscle function, necessitating effective rehabilitation strategies.
• Exercise training is a cornerstone of COPD management, with various modalities being explored for optimal patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically compare the efficacy of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) against Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) in improving functional capacity, pulmonary function, and muscle performance in individuals diagnosed with COPD.
• To evaluate the impact of different exercise intensities on key physiological markers relevant to COPD patients.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across eight electronic databases up to August 2025.
• Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two independent reviewers, utilizing the PEDro scale, JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist, Cochrane Collaboration's Tool, and ROBINS-I tool for bias evaluation.
• Twelve studies involving 401 participants (GOLD stage II and III COPD) were included in the meta-analysis.

Main Results:

• HIIT did not show statistically significant superiority over MICT in improving lung function parameters like FEV1 and FEV1/FVC (p > .05).
• MICT demonstrated superiority in improving VO2peak (p = .01), while HIIT significantly enhanced 6-minute walk test (6MWT) performance (p = .04). No significant difference was found for the 12-minute walk test (12MWT) (p = .24).
• HIIT yielded greater improvements in muscle function, including respiratory pressure, quadriceps endurance, handgrip strength, and muscle fiber composition, compared to MICT.

Conclusions:

• High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is superior to Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) for specific functional capacity outcomes and muscle function improvements in COPD patients.
• HIIT presents a viable and effective alternative training modality for COPD rehabilitation, comparable to MICT in other functional measures.
• Further research is warranted to establish optimal HIIT protocols to maximize benefits for individuals with COPD.