High-Intensity Interval Training in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Individuals with congenital heart disease (CHD) have reduced cardiorespiratory fitness which is associated with poor prognosis and quality of life. Evidence shows that exercise is effective in the management of adults with CHD. However, uncertainties remain about the safety and efficacy of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in these patients. We performed a systematic review to assess the effects of HIIT on aerobic capacity and quality of life in adults with CHD. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement and the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook. As only three studies fitting the inclusion criteria could be included, with a total of 87 adults with CHD, we identified a major need for more studies assessing the effect of HIIT. Although HIIT appeared to improve peak oxygen uptake, other measures were inconclusive due to limited studies. Available evidence to date suggests that HIIT improves aerobic capacity in adults with CHD with no serious adverse events. However, these data are too limited and are to be viewed with caution, identifying an important need for future studies to determine the direct impact of HIIT and to compare HIIT with other exercise intensity modalities.