Fidelity and tolerability of two high-intensity interval training protocols in patients with COPD: a randomised cross-over pilot study

Abstract

ObjectivesHigh-intensity interval training (HIIT) during pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may alleviate the symptom burden, but the fidelity and tolerability of HIIT using long or short intervals in patients with COPD are unknown.MethodsTwelve patients with moderate-to-severe COPD were included in a randomised cross-over pilot study. They completed two supervised HIIT protocols (4×4 and 10×1). To compare the two HIIT protocols, completed training amount, exercise intensity and perceived tolerability (assessed by a 10-point Likert scale) were integrated in a red–amber–green rating system. If a training session received a red ranking, it was considered unacceptable, if it received an amber ranking it was applicable with precautions, and if it received a green ranking it was considered feasible.ResultsAll patients completed the total training amount in both protocols. The 4×4 protocol resulted in three amber training sessions due to low perceived tolerability. The 10×1 protocol resulted in two red training sessions due to intensity reductions, and two amber training sessions because of low perceived tolerability. There was no statistical difference in perceived tolerability or time spent with an HR ≥85% of HRmax.ConclusionsHIIT using longer intervals (4×4) at a relatively lower intensity resulted in higher fidelity expressed by fewer adjustments to the protocol, whereas there was no difference between protocols in perceived tolerance. The 4×4 protocol seems to have a higher fidelity compared with the 10×1 protocol in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD.Trial registration numberNCT05273684.

Effect of aerobic exercise training on the fat fraction of the liver in persons with chronic hepatitis B and hepatic steatosis: Trial protocol for a randomized controlled intervention trial— The FitLiver study

“…Due to the low-risk intervention with supervised HIIT exercise [ 50 , 64 ] in a low-risk study population (no severe liver disease indicated by no cirrhosis/liver cancer or antiviral treatment, no coronary heart disease, no pregnancy), a data monitoring committee was not formed.…”