{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Effect of self-tailored high-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness after myocardial infarction: A randomised controlled trial.
{Author}: Marcin T;Trachsel LD;Dysli M;Schmid JP;Eser P;Wilhelm M;
{Journal}: Ann Phys Rehabil Med
{Volume}: 65
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: Nov 2021 21
{Factor}: 5.393
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.rehab.2021.101490
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is more efficient than moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) to increase cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with acute coronary syndrome at moderate-to-high cardiovascular risk is controversial. The best approach to guide training intensity remains to be determined.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>We aimed to assess intensities achieved with self-tailored HIIT and MICE according to perceived exertion and to compare the effect on cardiorespiratory fitness in patients early after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We included 69 males starting cardiac rehabilitation within 4 weeks after STEMI. After a 3-week run-in phase with MICE, 35 patients were randomised to 9 weeks of HIIT (2×HIIT and 1×MICE per week) and 34 patients to MICE (3×MICE). Training workload for MICE was initially set at the patients' first ventilatory threshold (VT). HIIT consisted of 4×4-min intervals with a workload above the second VT in high intervals. Training intensity was adjusted weekly to maintain the perceived exertion (Borg score 13-14 for MICE, ≥15 for HIIT). Session duration was 38min in both groups. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2) was measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing pre- and post-intervention.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Both groups improved peak VO2 (ml/kg/min) (HIIT +1.9, P<0.001; MICE +3.2, P<0.001, Cohen's d -0.4), but changes in VO2 were not significantly different between groups (P=0.104). Exercise regimes did not differ between groups in terms of energy expenditure or training time, but perceived exertion was higher with HIIT.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Self-tailored HIIT was feasible in patients early after STEMI. It was more strenuous but not superior nor more time-efficient than MICE in improving peak VO2. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT02627586).