Comparison of high intensity interval training with standard cardiac rehabilitation on vascular function.

Abstract

To compare the short- and long-term effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with usual care moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) on systemic vascular function and stiffness in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing a cardiac rehabilitation program. Randomized controlled trial. Fifty-four patients (age=63±8years, 93% male) were randomized to complete 3sessions/week (2supervised, 1home-based) of either (1) 4×4-min HIIT or (2) 40-min MICT, for 4weeks. Patients then continued 3 unsupervised home-based sessions/week of their allocated training for 11months. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, pulse wave velocity, and blood pressure were measured at baseline, 4weeks, 3months, 6months, and 12months. Data were analyzed using linear mixed modeling and are presented as mean change from baseline (95% CI). HIIT showed a greater improvement in flow-mediated dilation compared to MICT after 4weeks [1.5% (0.9, 2.1) vs 0.1% (-0.5, 0.8); p=0.004) but not 12months [1.2% (-0.2, 2.5) vs 0.4% (-0.8, 1.7); p=0.153). There were no short- or long-term group differences for changes in pulse wave velocity, peripheral or central blood pressure between HIIT and MICT after 4weeks, or over 12months. A 4-week HIIT program was superior to MICT for improving vascular function, but not arterial stiffness or blood pressure. Over 12months, changes in vascular function, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness were similar for HIIT and MICT.