Optimizing Training Response for Women in Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with intensive lower extremity resistance training (RT) versus standard moderate-intensity continuous training (MCT) on peak aerobic exercise capacity (peak Vo2) in women undergoing cardiac rehabilitation.
Results Summary
The HIIT group showed a significantly greater increase in peak Vo2 (+23%) and leg strength compared to the control group (+7%). The improvements in both peak Vo2 and leg strength were statistically significant and clinically meaningful.
Population
Women (mean age 65 years, range 43-98) participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program.
Effective Dosage
HIIT (90% to 95% of peak heart rate) with higher-intensity lower extremity RT, 3 times per week.
Duration
12 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and intensive lower extremity resistance training (RT) | increase | peak Vo2 | women in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) | +23% | increased to a greater degree | #1 |
standard moderate intensity continuous training (MCT) | increase | peak Vo2 | women in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) | +7% | increased | #2 |
high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and intensive lower extremity resistance training (RT) | increase | leg strength | women in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) | 15.3 [0.3] kg | greater change | #3 |
standard moderate intensity continuous training (MCT) | increase | leg strength | women in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) | 6.4 [1.1] kg | change | #4 |
high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and intensive lower extremity resistance training (RT) | increase | exercise training response | women in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) | - | enhanced exercise training response | #5 |
high-intensity interval training (HIIT) | increase | peak Vo2 | women in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) | - | significantly greater improvements | #6 |
high-intensity interval training (HIIT) | increase | leg strength | women in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) | - | significantly greater improvements | #7 |
IMPORTANCE: Despite lower baseline fitness levels, women in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) do not typically improve peak aerobic exercise capacity (defined as peak oxygen uptake [peak Vo2]) compared with men in CR. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and intensive lower extremity resistance training (RT) compared with standard moderate intensity continuous training (MCT) on peak Vo2 among women in CR. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This randomized clinical trial conducted from July 2017 to February 2020 included women from a community-based cardiac rehabilitation program affiliated with a university hospital in Vermont. A total of 56 women (mean [SD] age, 65 [11] years; range 43-98 years) participating in CR enrolled in the study. INTERVENTIONS: MCT (70% to 85% of peak heart rate [HR]) with moderate intensive RT or HIIT (90% to 95% of peak HR) along with higher-intensity lower extremity RT 3 times per week over 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was the between-group difference in change in peak Vo2 (L/min) from baseline to 12 weeks. RESULTS: Peak Vo2 increased to a greater degree in the HIIT group (+23%) than in the control group (+7%) (mean [SD] increase, 0.3 [0.2] L/min vs 0.1 [0.2] L/min; P = .03). Similarly, the change in leg strength was greater in the HIIT-RT group compared with the control group (mean [SD] increase, 15.3 [0.3] kg vs 6.4 [1.1] kg; P = .004). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: An exercise protocol combining HIIT and intensive lower extremity RT enhanced exercise training response for women in CR compared with standard CR exercise training. Women randomized to HIIT experienced significantly greater improvements in both peak Vo2 and leg strength during CR. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03438968.