Feasibility, Safety, and Preliminary Effectiveness of a Home-Based Self-Managed High-Intensity Interval Training Program Offered to Long-Term Manual Wheelchair Users

Abstract

Objectives To investigate and compare the feasibility, safety, and preliminary effectiveness of home-based self-managed manual wheelchair high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) programs. Methods Eleven manual wheelchair users were randomly assigned to the HIIT (n = 6) or the MICT group (n = 5). Both six-week programs consisted of three 40-minute propulsion training sessions per week. The HIIT group alternated between 30 s high-intensity intervals and 60 s low-intensity intervals, whereas the MICT group maintained a constant moderate intensity. Cardiorespiratory fitness, upper limb strength, and shoulder pain were measured before and after the programs. Participants completed a questionnaire on the programs that explored general areas of feasibility. Results The answers to the questionnaire demonstrated that both training programs were feasible in the community. No severe adverse events occurred, although some participants experienced increased shoulder pain during HIIT. Neither program yielded a significant change in cardiorespiratory fitness or upper limb strength. However, both groups reported moderate to significant subjective improvement. Conclusion Home-based wheelchair HIIT appears feasible and safe although potential development of shoulder pain remains a concern and should be addressed with a future preventive shoulder exercise program. Some recommendations have been proposed for a larger study aiming to strengthen evidence regarding the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of HIIT.

High-intensity interval training in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review

“…It is best to use a physiological index to calculate exercise intensity during HIIT, but Mijwel et al used a rating of perceived exertion of 16 to 18 in their study. Past studies of home-based HIIT interventions that used the “talk test” (intensity should be great enough that talking is difficult) [ 32 ] or a modified Borg scale score of 6 to 8 (“very hard”) [ 34 ] as an indicator of exercise intensity showed significant improvement in the primary endpoint of cardiorespiratory fitness. Therefore, even though Mijwel et al may have used a slightly lower or unclear exercise intensity for HIIT compared with other studies, that intensity may have been sufficient to increase VO 2 max.…”

Effect of a Home-based Exercise Program on Shoulder Pain and Range of Motion in Elite Wheelchair Basketball Players: A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial

“…In this regard, periodization training for elite athletes with disabilities should include strength and flexibility exercises [56]. It is necessary to include an appropriate type of exercise with parameters of intensity (from 40 to 90 percent), frequency (two to three sets of 8–12 repetitions) and number of sessions per week (between two and four days per week, over a period of four to six months) [57,58]. According to previous authors, an exercise program should include a warm-up phase, resistance training, and stretching positions.…”

Exploration of High-Intensity Interval Training for Breast Cancer Survivors: Taking a Home-based Approach Toward New Normal

“…It is best to use a physiological index to calculate exercise intensity during HIIT, but Mijwel et al used a rating of perceived exertion of 16 to 18 in their study. Past studies of home-based HIIT interventions that used the "talk test" (intensity should be great enough that talking is di cult) [25] or a modi ed Borg scale score of 6 to 8 ("very hard") [30] as an indicator of exercise intensity showed signi cant improvement in the primary endpoint of cardiorespiratory tness. Therefore, even though Mijwel et al may have used a slightly lower or unclear exercise intensity for HIIT compared with other studies, that intensity may have been su cient to increase VO 2 max.…”