Feasibility and impact of whole-body high-intensity interval training in patients with stable coronary artery disease: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Exercise training reduces cardiovascular mortality and improves quality of life in CAD patients. We investigated the feasibility and impact of 12 weeks of low-volume high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in CAD-patients. Patients with stable CAD were randomized 1:1 to supervised HIIT or standard care. HIIT sessions were completed three times weekly for 12 weeks on a rowing ergometer. Before and after the 12-week intervention, patients completed a physiological evaluation of cardiorespiratory performance and quality of life questionnaires. Mixed model analysis was used to evaluate differences between and within groups. A total of 142 patients (67 ± 9 years, nHIIT = 64, nStandard care = 78) completed the trial. Training adherence was 97% (range 86–100%). Six patients dropped out because of non-fatal adverse events. Weekly training duration was 54 min with an average power output of 138 W. HIIT increased peak oxygen uptake by 2.5 mL/kg/min (95% CI 2.1–3.0), whereas no change was observed in standard care (0.2 mL/kg/min, 95% CI − 0.2–0.6, P < 0.001). In addition, HIIT improved markers of quality of life, including physical functioning, limitations due to physical illness, general health and vitality (P < 0.05). Twelve weeks of low-volume whole-body HIIT increased cardiorespiratory capacity and improved quality of life in patients with stable CAD compared to standard care. In addition, our study demonstrates that the applied vigorous training regime is feasible for this patient group.Clinical trial registration:www.clinicaltrials.gov. Identification number: NCT04268992.

Haemostasis and fibrinolysis after regular high-intensity interval training in patients with coronary artery disease: a randomised controlled trial

“… 11 The test protocol data demonstrated a 10% increase in VO 2peak after exercise training, whereas no changes were detected in the standard care group. 11 …”

“…The VO 2peak test protocol and the exercise programme have recently been presented in detail elsewhere. 11 The test protocol data demonstrated a 10% increase in VO 2peak after exercise training, whereas no changes were detected in the standard care group. 11 Laboratory methods Blood samples were obtained at baseline, at 6 weeks and 12 weeks after the start of the intervention (figure 1).…”

“…11 The test protocol data demonstrated a 10% increase in VO 2peak after exercise training, whereas no changes were detected in the standard care group. 11 Laboratory methods Blood samples were obtained at baseline, at 6 weeks and 12 weeks after the start of the intervention (figure 1). Prior to blood sampling, patients were asked to rest for 30 min, avoid food and liquids (except for water) for 1.5 hours and refrain from caffeine-containing drinks for 12 hours and alcohol consumption for 24 hours.…”

“…It may be speculated that patients in the standard care group might have increased their physical activity throughout the intervention period, although the group’s stagnant VO 2peak testifies against this. 11 Several other studies have investigated the effect of exercise training on fibrinolysis, but the results are conflicting. Two non-randomised studies reported a reduction in PAI-1 and thereby an increased fibrinolysis after 8 weeks or 9 months of exercise.…”

“…clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04268992). 11 Exercise test and high-intensity interval training Peak oxygen uptake (VO 2peak ) was measured at baseline and 12 weeks after intervention start on an electronically braked cycle ergometer (Excalibur Sport, Lode, Groningen, Netherlands). All patients randomised to exercise training performed supervised low-volume highintensity exercise training three times weekly on rowing ergometers (Concept 2 model D w. PM5, Vermont, USA).…”