High-intensity Interval Training In Inflammatory Rheumatic Disease Patients: Treatment By Man Or Machine?

Abstract

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is documented to counteract the reduced maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and poor cardiovascular health associated with inflammatory rheumatic disease (IRS). However, supervised HIIT is resource demanding. PURPOSE: This study sought to investigate if guidance by a smartphone application (APP: Myworkout GO) could yield similar HIIT-induced effects as supervision by healthcare professionals. METHODS: Thirty-four adults (27 females, 50±11 yrs; 7 males, 52±10 yrs), diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus were randomized to a supervised group (SG) or an APP group (AG). Both groups performed 4x4 minute intervals with an intensity corresponding to 85-95% of HRmax twice a week for 10 weeks. Treadmill V̇O2max and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL), measured using SF-36, was assessed before and after the exercise period. RESULTS: V̇O2max increased (p<0.001) in both groups, revealing 3.6±1.4 (SG) and 3.7±1.5 mL·kg-1·min-1 (AG) improvements, with no between-group differences apparent. Improvements in the following HRQoL dimensions; bodily pain, vitality, social functioning and emotional wellbeing were observed for both groups (all p<0.001–0.05). Again, with no between-group differences detected. CONCLUSION: HIIT increased V̇O2max and HRQoL, contributing to the patients´ reduced cardiovascular disease risk, improved health, performance, and enhanced quality of life. Similar improvements were observed if IRS patients were guided by healthcare professionals or an APP, suggesting that utilization of the APP may be excellent in reducing the costs of HIIT as a treatment strategy in this patient population.