The feasibility of implementing high-intensity interval training in cardiac rehabilitation settings: a retrospective analysis

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Notwithstanding the well-known benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), adherence to CR remains low, particularly in women. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has received specific attention as an emerging exercise-training paradigm that addresses frequently cited barriers to CR (i.e. lack of motivation/enjoyment and time, perceiving exercise regime as tiring/boring) and improves cardiovascular risk factors. Previous studies have examined the safety of HIIT in CR; there is little evidence on the feasibility of HIIT in CR. The aims of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of HIIT within a CR setting and examine the sex differences regarding the feasibility of such programming. Methods: Patients attended an on-site HIIT CR program (10-min warm-up, 25 min of interspersed high-intensity [HI-4 min at 85-95% HRpeak] and lower intensity [LO-3 min at 60-70% HRpeak] intervals, 10-min cool-down) twice weekly for 10 weeks. Heart rate (HR) and the Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale (6-20 points) were recorded at each session. Feasibility was assessed by: [1] attendance and compliance: the number of sessions attended and the compliance to the prescribed HI and LO HR ranges; [2] the patient experience: patients' perceived effort, program difficulty, if the program was challenging and satisfying; and, [3] safety. Descriptive statistics were used to report the means and their variations. Mann-Whitney U tests and Chi-square analyses were performed to examine sex-differences.

Sex differences in physical and mental health following high-intensity interval training in adults with cardiovascular disease who completed cardiac rehabilitation

“…patients were given a choice between movement-and machine-based modalities) may facilitate meeting the needs of a broader group of patients. Regardless of sex, most patients attending our HIIT-based CR perceived HIIT to be challenging but safe, were satisfied with the program and would recommend it to others (Way et al 2020). The smaller proportion of females meeting the target HR for the HI work-bouts (≥85% HRpeak) during weeks seven, eight and ten seemed to have little impact in the VȮ 2 peak increase over time which did not differ between sexes.…”

Cardiac Rehabilitation of Patients with Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in a Han Population in Northern China: A Prospective Cohort Study

“…Despite the well-known benefits of CR, adherence to CR remains low. 32 In the United States and Europe, CR is performed in less than 30% of patients with indications for CR. 13 , 33 And the percentage of Asian patients participating in CR after PCI was lower than that reported in western countries.…”

Risk Factors of Atrial Arrhythmia in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis: A Retrospective Study

“…In general, myocardial diastolic dysfunction occurs before systolic dysfunction in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites ( 30 ). Myocardial diastolic dysfunction is mainly due to myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, and consequently induces structural heart disease and arrhythmia ( 31 – 34 ). We hypothesized that ascites induced myocardial diastolic dysfunction due to disorders of peripheral blood circulation, which may be a possible mechanism by which atrial arrhythmia develops.…”