Home-based versus hospital-based high-intensity interval training in cardiac rehabilitation: a randomized study

Abstract

Background High-intensity interval training (HIT) as exercise therapy is gradually implemented in cardiac rehabilitation as the cardiovascular benefits from exercise is intensity dependent. However, in previous studies, HIT has been performed with strict supervision. The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of different modes of HIT in cardiac rehabilitation. Design a randomized clinical study. Methods Ninety participants with coronary artery disease (80 men/10 women, mean age 57 ± 8 years) were randomly assigned to one of three exercise modes: group exercise (GE), treadmill exercise (TE), or home-based exercise (HE). HIT was performed twice a week for 12 weeks with an exercise intensity of 85–95% of peak heart rate. The primary outcome measure was change in peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2). Results Eighty-three participants (92%) completed the intervention without any severe adverse events. Peak VO2 increased from 34.7 ± 7.3 to 39.0 ± 8.0 ml/kg/min, 32.7 ± 6.5 to 36.0 ± 6.2 ml/kg/min, and 34.4 ± 4.8 to 37.2 ± 5.2 ml/kg/min in TE, GE, and HE, respectively. Mean group difference for TE vs. HE was 1.6 ml/kg/min (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.7 to 3.1, p = 0.02), TE vs. GE 1.1 ml/kg/min (95% CI−0.5 to 2.5, p = 0.27), and GE vs. HE 0.6 ml/kg/min (95% CI −1.0 to 2.1, p = 1). However, on-treatment analysis showed no significant difference between groups. Conclusion HIT was efficiently performed in three settings of cardiac rehabilitation, with respect to target exercise intensity, exercise attendance, and increase in peak VO2. Exercise mode was not essential for exercise capacity.

High-intensity interval training in patients with coronary heart disease: Prescription models and perspectives

“…They may be more appropriate for the improvement stage for patients who are less fit and/or at a higher risk, after a certain period of CAET and/or short interval HIIT sessions with passive recovery [22,23]. Finally, those HIIT protocols may be of use in the maintenance stage because of their high physiological stimulus (e.g., 2 times a week); indeed, they were found feasible in a homebased program for CHD patients [35][36][37][38] (see Section 4).…”

High intensity interval training in coronary artery disease patients, is it worth the effort?

“…Moreover, active coaching seems necessary if we want our patients to train in the right heart rate zone. 22 Whereas we can all agree that training intensity and probably also progression was too low in SAINTEX-CAD 14 and SMARTEX, 21 we have to acknowledge that the actually performed training intensity more likely reflects clinical practice of CR in which it is not possible to have a personal coach standing next to the patient during each single session.…”

Home-Based Rehabilitation With Telemonitoring Guidance for Patients With Coronary Artery Disease (Short-Term Results of the TRiCH Study): Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

“…However, as the main outcome measure was VO 2 P, the effort of the participants can be objectively quantified by means of the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and subjectively by means of the Borg scale [39]. The study, as most randomized controlled trials, had missing outcome data.…”