Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 25, 2026
A Real-World High-Intensity Interval Training Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Improvement
Published on: February 22, 2022
High- and Moderate-Intensity Interval Training for Cardiac-Psychological Comorbidity: Results from a 4-Week
Qianqian Song1, Bingqing Bai2, Jinna Chang3
1Department of Cardiac rehabilitation, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 510080, Guangzhou, China; Sports-Medicine Integrative Innovation, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, 100091, Beijing, China.
Background:
Anxiety and depressive symptoms are common in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and are associated with poorer prognosis. Exercise-based rehabilitation may improve both psychological and cardiopulmonary outcomes in this population.
Objective:
To evaluate and compare the short-term effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) in CVD patients with comorbid anxiety and/or depression.
Methods:
This retrospective real-world study screened 1,020 cardiac rehabilitation patients, of whom 112 were included in the final analysis. All participants completed a 4-week supervised outpatient HIIT or MIIT. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed using the GAD-7 and PHQ-9, and cardiopulmonary fitness was evaluated by standardized cardiopulmonary exercise testing.
Results:
After 4 weeks, in the HIIT group, GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores decreased by 4.4 ± 4.3 and 3.7 ± 4.3 points (Cohen's d = -1.023 and -0.860; p < 0.001); in the MIIT group, the corresponding reductions were 4.8 ± 4.9 and 3.5 ± 4.0 points (Cohen's d = -0.980 and -0.875; p < 0.001). Both groups also demonstrated significant improvements in multiple cardiopulmonary parameters (all p < 0.05). Nominal between-group differences were observed for AT VO₂ and PETCO₂ before multiplicity correction, but neither difference remained statistically significant after FDR correction.
Conclusions:
In clinical practice, short-term HIIT and MIIT may both be feasible strategies to alleviate psychological symptoms and improve cardiopulmonary fitness in CVD patients with comorbid anxiety or depression.
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...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy