Interval Training In Patients Research Articles

High INtensity Interval Training in pATiEnts with Intermittent Claudication: A Qualitative Acceptability Study

IntroductionA novel high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programme has demonstrated feasibility for patients with intermittent claudication (IC). The aim of this study was to explore patient perspectives of the HIIT programme to inform refinement and future research. MethodsAll patients screened and eligible for the ‘high intensity interval training in patients with intermittent claudication (INITIATE)’ study, were eligible to take part in a semi-structured interview. A convenience subsample of patients was selected from three distinct groups: 1) those who completed the HIIT programme, 2) those who prematurely discontinued the HIIT programme and 3) those who declined the HIIT programme. Interviews considered patients views of the programme and experiences of undertaking and/or being invited to undertake it. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed via thematic analysis. ResultsEleven out of 31 participants who completed the programme and twelve out of 38 decliners were interviewed. No participants who withdrew from the programme agreed to interview. The three key themes were; personal reflections of the programme; programme facilitators and barriers; and perceived benefits. Completers enjoyed taking part, reported symptomatic improvement and would complete it again. Practical and psychological barriers exist, such as transport and motivation. Changes to the programme were suggested. ConclusionFindings support the acceptability of this novel HIIT programme, which in combination with the feasibility findings, suggest that a fully powered randomised controlled trial, comparing HIIT to usual-care supervised exercise programmes is warranted.

Home-based high intensity interval training in patients with intermittent claudication: a systematic review protocol

Introduction: The aim of this systematic review is to consider the evidence base for home-based high intensity interval training (HIIT) in patients with intermittent claudication (IC). Prior knowledge of the evidence base suggests that there may be little research considering HIIT in patients with IC. If so, the evidence base across all cardiovascular diseases will be considered. Methods: Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane CENTRAL databases will be searched for terms including ‘peripheral arterial disease’, ‘intermittent claudication’, ‘home-based exercise’, ‘high intensity interval training’ and ‘home-based high intensity interval training’. All prospective randomised trials and non-randomised studies considering home-based HIIT in patients with IC will be included. Studies will not be excluded based on the use of a comparator arm, meaning single-arm studies as well as multi-arm trials will also be included. If appropriate, based on the extant literature, a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials will be conducted. The outcomes of interest will include intervention components, intervention feasibility (based on uptake and completion rates), intervention tolerability (based on compliance and adherence to the intervention), maximum walking distance, pain-free walking distance, quality of life and cardiorespiratory fitness. Conclusion: This review aims to assess the evidence for home-based HIIT in patients with IC, to establish its feasibility and to inform the refinement of an existing supervised HIIT intervention to allow it to also be delivered remotely. Following this, a pilot randomised controlled trial to compare HIIT versus usual care supervised exercise programmes will be developed. For this, the interventions will be delivered either in person or remotely in real-time, depending on centre availability and patient preference.

Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training in Patients with Back Pain: A Systematic Review

Back pain has become the most common disabling condition that increases the burden of the healthcare sector despite the various treatments and healthcare resources devoted to back pain. The current review clarifies the effects of high-intensity interval training on back pain. A systematic search using PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and ERIC databases was done up to March 2023. Studies included in the meta-analysis if the study is a control/clinical trial, has full text available in the English language, has samples with back pain, and has high-intensity interval training as a treatment protocol, including outcome measures of pain, disability, function/activity level, exercise capacity, and abdominal and back muscle strength. Unpublished research papers, conference articles, dissertations, and theses met the exclusion criteria. Studies that included participants with back pain caused by particular diseases or disorders were not eligible. Out of the 14,943 records that were initially found, only 4 articles (PEDro score = 6 to 8) were found to be eligible. It was found that there are small to larger effect sizes in improving pain, disability, ability to exercise, physical functions, and strength of the back and abdominal muscles. It has been observed that high-intensity interval training improves a number of back pain-related symptoms, making it a useful treatment plan for people with back pain.

Physiological and psychological outcomes of high intensity interval training in patients with heart failure compared to moderate continuous training and usual care: A systematic review with meta analysis

BackgroundAn important component of secondary prevention of CVD (including HF) is comprehensive cardiac rehab, including exercise. Novel, individualised approaches are needed to increase uptake and adherence to exercise programmes, one area offering potential is HIIT. HIIT has been shown to be both safe and effective for improving cardiovascular fitness in both coronary artery disease and HF patients. ObjectivesTo provide a current and up to date evaluation of the physiological and psychological outcomes of HIIT in patients with HF compared to MCT and UC. Secondly to perform sub-group analyses comparing short and long HIIT protocols. MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials was undertaken. Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL and SportDISCUS were searched up to July 2022. Trials were included if they carried out a HIIT intervention (defined at intensity ≥ 80% peak HR or ≥ 80% VO2peak) in HF patients (HFpEF or HFrEF) for at least 6 weeks. Comparator group was UC or MCT. ResultsHIIT was shown to be superior to MCT and UC for improving VO2peak (HIIT mean improvement 3.1 mL.kg−1min−1). HITT was superior to MCT and UC for improving LVEF (HIIT mean improvement 5.7%). HIIT was superior to MCT and UC for improving HRQoL, using the MLHFQ (HIIT mean point change of -12.8). Subgroup analysis showed no difference between long and short HIIT. ConclusionHIIT improves VO2peak, LVEF and HRQoL in patients with HF, the improvements seen in VO2peak and LVEF are superior in HIIT compared to MCT and UC.

High-intensity interval training in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator: a randomized controlled study

Abstract Background Exercise is an effective treatment in a broad spectrum of cardiovascular diseases. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has shown superior effect on cardiorespiratory fitness and equal or superior effect on morbidity and quality of life (QoL) compared to moderate continuous exercise training. However, evidence of the efficacy and risks of HIIT in patients with increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia remains limited. Purpose To evaluate the effects of HIIT on exercise capacity, QoL and burden of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) with or without cardiac resynchronization therapy. Methods Patients with ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathy and ICD were randomized to a supervised 12-week HIIT program or to a control group continuing their usual exercise routines. HIIT consisted of four 4-minute intervals aiming at 85-95% of maximum heart rate (HRmax), and 3-minute active recovery aiming at 60-70 % of HRmax in between intervals, 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes were exercise capacity measured as peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) and QoL assessed with the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Main secondary outcome was the burden of ventricular arrhythmias analysed from remote patient monitoring data. Results Fifty-six patients were included (table 1). Three patients in the HIIT group did not complete the intervention. Two withdrew due to a knee injury and due to fear of SARS-CoV-2 exposure, respectively. One experienced an appropriate shock during exercise and was excluded from further training after clinical consideration. Fifty-three patients completed all follow-up examinations. HIIT significantly increased VO2 peak with 7.0 %, with no changes in the control group (p=0.001) (figure 1A). There was a significant increase in the SF-36 subscale scores on physical functioning (p<0.05), general health (p<0.05) and health change (p=0.001) in the HIIT group compared to the control group (figure 1B). There were no significant differences between groups in number of non-sustained or sustained ventricular tachycardias, anti-tachycardia pacing therapy or ICD shocks. Conclusions In patients with ICD due to ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathy, a supervised 12-week HIIT-program significantly increased VO2 peak and QoL without increasing the burden of ventricular arrhythmias.Table 1:Patient characteristicsFigure 1:Peak oxygen uptake and QoL

High-intensity interval training in patients with intermittent claudication: Presented at the 2022 Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland Annual Scientific Meeting, Brighton, United Kingdom, November 23-25, 2022; presented at the 2023 Surgical Research Society Meeting, Nottingham, United Kingdom, March 22-24, 2023; and presented at the 2023 Vascular Annual Meeting of the Society for Vascular Surgery, National Harbor, MD, June

High-intensity interval training in patients with intermittent claudication: Presented at the 2022 Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland Annual Scientific Meeting, Brighton, United Kingdom, November 23-25, 2022; presented at the 2023 Surgical Research Society Meeting, Nottingham, United Kingdom, March 22-24, 2023; and presented at the 2023 Vascular Annual Meeting of the Society for Vascular Surgery, National Harbor, MD, June

High-intensity Interval Training in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Perspective from Previous Systematic Reviews.

High-intensity Interval Training in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Perspective from Previous Systematic Reviews.

High-intensity interval training in patients with intermittent claudication

ObjectiveProvision, uptake, adherence, and completion rates for supervised exercise programs (SEP) for intermittent claudication (IC) are low. A shorter, more time-efficient, 6-week, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program may be an effective alternative that is more acceptable to patients and easier to deliver. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of HIIT for patients with IC. MethodsA single arm proof-of-concept study, performed in secondary care, recruiting patients with IC referred to usual-care SEPs. Supervised HIIT was performed three times per week for 6 weeks. The primary outcome was feasibility and tolerability. Potential efficacy and potential safety were considered, and an integrated qualitative study was undertaken to consider acceptability. ResultsA total of 280 patients were screened: 165 (59%) were eligible, and 40 (25%) were recruited. The majority (n = 31; 78%) of participants completed the HIIT program. The remaining nine patients were withdrawn or chose to withdraw. Completers attended 99% of training sessions, completed 85% of sessions in full, and performed 84% of completed intervals at the required intensity. There were no related serious adverse events. Maximum walking distance (+94 m; 95% confidence interval, 66.6-120.8 m) and the SF-36 physical component summary (+2.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.3-4.1) were improved following completion of the program. ConclusionsUptake to HIIT was comparable to SEPs in patients with IC, but completion rates were higher. HIIT appears feasible, tolerable, and potentially safe and beneficial for patients with IC. It may provide a more readily deliverable, acceptable form of SEP. Research comparing HIIT with usual-care SEPs appears warranted.

Acute and adaptive cardiovascular and metabolic effects of passive heat therapy or high-intensity interval training in patients with severe lower-limb osteoarthritis.

Exercise is painful and difficult to perform for patients with severe lower-limb osteoarthritis; consequently, reduced physical activity contributes to increased cardiometabolic disease risk. The aim of this study was to characterize the acute and adaptive cardiovascular and metabolic effects of two low or no impact therapies in patients with severe lower-limb osteoarthritis: passive heat therapy (Heat) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) utilizing primarily the unaffected limbs, compared to a control intervention of home-based exercise (Home). Participants completed up to 12 weeks of either Heat (20-30 min immersed in 40°C water followed by ~15-min light resistance exercise), HIIT (6-8 × 60-s intervals on a cross-trainer or arm ergometer at ~90-100% peak O2 ) or Home (~15-min light resistance exercise); all 3 sessions/week. Reductions in systolic (12 & 10 mm Hg), diastolic (7 & 4 mm Hg), and mean arterial (8 & 6 mm Hg) blood pressure (BP) were observed following one bout of Heat or HIIT exposure, lasting for the duration of the 20-min monitoring period. Across the interventions (i.e., 12 weeks), resting systolic BP and diastolic BP decreased with Heat (-9 & -4 mm Hg; p < 0.001) and HIIT (-7 & -3 mm Hg; p ≤ 0.011), but not Home (0 & 0 mm Hg; p ≥ 0.785). The systolic and diastolic BP responses to an acute exposure of Heat or HIIT in the first intervention session were moderately correlated with adaptive responses across the intervention (r ≥ 0.54, p ≤ 0.005). Neither intervention improved indices of glycemic control (p = 0.310). In summary, both Heat and HIIT induced potent immediate and adaptive hypotensive effects, and the acute response was moderately predictive of the long-term response.

High INtensity Interval Training in pATiEnts with Intermittent Claudication (INITIATE): A Feasibility Proof-of-concept Study

High INtensity Interval Training in pATiEnts with Intermittent Claudication (INITIATE): A Feasibility Proof-of-concept Study

O060 High intensity interval training in patients with intermittent claudication (INITIATE): a multicentre, proof-of-concept, prospective interventional study

Abstract Introduction Provision, uptake, adherence, and completion rates for supervised exercise programmes (SEP) for intermittent claudication (IC) are low. For patients, SEPs are too time intensive. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) may be a time-efficient, effective alternative. Methods This was an NIHR funded, multicentre, proof-of-concept study. HIIT was performed three times per week for six-weeks and involved a 1:1 work to rest ratio. Outcomes were feasibility, tolerability, safety and potential efficacy. Results 279 patients were screened, 59% were eligible and 25% were recruited for HIIT. 78% of patients completed HIIT, though 3 patients (7.5%) were unable to tolerate it. Patients attended 99% of training sessions, with 84% of sessions completed in full, largely at the required intensity. There were no related serious adverse events. The mean improvements in MWD and physical functioning were 94m (95%CI=66.6-120.8m), and 4.4% (95%CI=-1.1–9.9%) respectively. Conclusion Uptake to HIIT was comparable to SEPs, but completion rates were higher. Most sessions were completed in full with no related serious adverse events. There was an improvement in MWD. HIIT appears feasible, safe, tolerable and potentially beneficial for patients with IC. It may provide a more deliverable, more acceptable, SEP. A non-inferiority trial of HIIT vs. SEPs appears warranted.

Moderate Continuous and Modified High-Intensity Interval Training in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices: The Prospective Train-the-LVAD Trial

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) of 4 minutes at 80%-90% of peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) has been shown to be feasible in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). The effect of shorter bouts of HIIT, which reduce the anaerobic burden, has not been investigated compared to moderate continuous training (MCT). We conducted a prospective, monocentric study (NCT05121077) randomizing patients with LVADs into 20 minutes of MCT (n = 10) or short bouts (≤ 90 seconds) of HIIT (n = 10) following cardiopulmonary exercise testing at 50%-60% and 80%-90% of VO2peak. Each of the 18 supervised sessions (3×/week, t0-t1) included 10 minutes of strengthening training. The primary outcome was the increase of VO2peak in the 2 groups between t0 and t1. Secondary outcomes were changes in the 12-item Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, the 6-minute walk distance and the percentage of VO2peak at the first ventilatory threshold. VO2peak significantly increased with HIIT (13.0 ± 4.6mL/kg/min vs 14.6 ± 4.3mL/kg/min; P = 0.037), but not with MCT (11.8 ± 3.3mL/kg/min vs 13.1 ± 3.3mL/kg/min; P = 0.322), without between-group differences (P = 0.853). Secondary outcomes improved from t0-t1 in MCT and HIIT, without differences between the groups. Short bouts of HIIT are feasible, and they improved VO2peak and functional parameters in patients in this pilot prospective study.

Haemostasis and fibrinolysis after regular high-intensity interval training in patients with coronary artery disease: a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionPatients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have prothrombotic changes compared with healthy individuals. Regular exercise reduces cardiovascular mortality in patients with stable CAD. However, the underlying mechanism for the beneficial...

Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) experience poor functional capacity and quality of life (QOL). High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to elicit greater improvements in functional capacity and QOL compared with moderate to vigorous intensity continuous training (MICT) in other cardiovascular populations, yet HIIT remains understudied in AF. To compare the effects of 12 weeks of HIIT and MICT-based cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR) on functional capacity and general QOL in patients with persistent and permanent AF. Disease-specific QOL, resting heart rate (HR), time in AF, and physical activity (PA) levels were also assessed. This randomized clinical trial, conducted between November 17, 2015, and February 4, 2020, at a tertiary-care cardiovascular health center in Ottawa, Canada, recruited 94 patients with persistent and permanent AF. High-intensity interval training (23 minutes: two 8-minute interval training blocks of 30-second work periods at 80%-100% of peak power output interspersed with 30-second recovery) or CR (60 minutes: continuous aerobic conditioning within 67%-95% of peak HR and 12-16 of 20 ratings of perceived exertion) twice weekly for 12 weeks. The primary outcomes were changes in functional capacity (6-minute walk test [6MWT] distance) and general QOL (Short Form 36) from baseline to 12 weeks' follow-up. Secondary outcomes included changes in disease-specific QOL (Atrial Fibrillation Severity Scale), resting HR, time in AF, and PA levels. An intention-to-treat analysis was used to compare changes between groups. Of the 94 patients who consented, 86 participated (mean [SD] age, 69 [7] years; 57 [66.3%] men). No significant differences in improvements in 6MWT distance (mean [SD], 21.3 [34.1] vs 13.2 [55.2] m; P = .42) and general QOL (Physical Component Summary, 0.5 [6.1] vs 1.1 [4.9] points; P = .87) between HIIT and CR were observed. No significant differences in improvements in disease-specific QOL (AF symptoms: -1.7 [4.3] vs -1.5 [4] points, P = .59), resting HR (-3.6 [10.6] vs -2.9 [12.4] beats per minute, P = .63), and moderate to vigorous PA levels (37.3 [93.4] vs 14.4 [125.7] min/wk; P = .35) between HIIT and CR were detected. Participants attended a mean (SD) of 18.3 (6.1) (75.1%) HIIT sessions and 20.0 (4.5) (83.4%) CR sessions (P = .36). In this randomized clinical trial, twice-weekly 23-minute HIIT was as efficacious as twice-weekly 60-minute CR in improving functional capacity, general and disease-specific QOL, resting HR, and PA levels in patients with persistent and permanent AF. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02602457.

Feasibility and impact of whole-body high-intensity interval training in patients with stable coronary artery disease: a randomised controlled trial

Exercise training reduces cardiovascular mortality and improves quality of life in CAD patients. We investigated the feasibility and impact of 12 weeks of low-volume high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in CAD-patients. Patients with stable CAD were randomized 1:1 to supervised HIIT or standard care. HIIT sessions were completed three times weekly for 12 weeks on a rowing ergometer. Before and after the 12-week intervention, patients completed a physiological evaluation of cardiorespiratory performance and quality of life questionnaires. Mixed model analysis was used to evaluate differences between and within groups. A total of 142 patients (67 ± 9 years, nHIIT = 64, nStandard care = 78) completed the trial. Training adherence was 97% (range 86–100%). Six patients dropped out because of non-fatal adverse events. Weekly training duration was 54 min with an average power output of 138 W. HIIT increased peak oxygen uptake by 2.5 mL/kg/min (95% CI 2.1–3.0), whereas no change was observed in standard care (0.2 mL/kg/min, 95% CI − 0.2–0.6, P < 0.001). In addition, HIIT improved markers of quality of life, including physical functioning, limitations due to physical illness, general health and vitality (P < 0.05). Twelve weeks of low-volume whole-body HIIT increased cardiorespiratory capacity and improved quality of life in patients with stable CAD compared to standard care. In addition, our study demonstrates that the applied vigorous training regime is feasible for this patient group.Clinical trial registration:www.clinicaltrials.gov. Identification number: NCT04268992.

High-intensity Interval Training In Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and the prevalence is increasing. Cardiac rehabilitation is essential after a cardiac event with exercise training having a central role. Exercise training improves quality of life and reduces cardiovascular mortality and hospital admissions in CAD patients. We aimed to investigate the feasibility and efficiency of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in patients with stable CAD. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 142 patients with stable CAD and a mean age of 66.7 years completed the study, 64 in the HIIT group and 78 in the control group (CON). Patients were randomized 1:1 to supervised HIIT or standard care. HIIT was performed by training on a rowing ergometer 3 x week for 12 weeks. Patients in CON did not change their usual behavior, and all patients continued medications as prescribed before inclusion. Prior to randomization (baseline) and after 12 weeks (post-intervention), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), maximal pulmonary ventilation (VEmax) and maximal power output (Wmax) were determined in all patients. During the intervention period, the training load was defined as power output during training in week 3, 6 and 9. The average intensity was quantified and normalized to the average power that patients could sustain during a 5-min-all-out rowing performance test completed at week 5. RESULTS: Adherence to training was 97% (range 86-100%). Three patients dropped out because of non-fatal adverse events, and three patients reported non-severe self-limiting adverse events. The average relative power output was 72 ± 19% during warm-up and 117 ± 11 % during the interval bouts. Weekly training duration was on average 54 min. Compared to standard care, HIIT resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) greater increase in VO2max, VEmax, and Wmax (197 mL/min [160;233], 13 L/min [11;16], and 23 W [19;27]). CONCLUSIONS: Low volume HIIT performed as rowing significantly upregulated cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max, VEmax, and Wmax) in patients with stable CAD compared to standard care. The exercise training on rowing ergometers was convenient and feasible for this frail patient group.

Kardiometabolische und Wahrnehmungsreaktionen auf verschiedene Formen des Intervalltrainings bei Patienten mit Typ-2-Diabetes

Kardiometabolische und Wahrnehmungsreaktionen auf verschiedene Formen des Intervalltrainings bei Patienten mit Typ-2-Diabetes

Improved blood pressure and flow-mediated dilatation via increased plasma adropin and nitrate/nitrite induced by high-intensity interval training in patients with type 2 diabetes.

What is the central question of this study? Exercise training increases adropin and nitrite/nitrate (NOx) plasma levels in middle-aged and older healthy people. We hypothesized that high-intensity interval training may improve blood pressure and flow-mediated dilatation through the effects of adropin and NOx in patients of this age with type 2 diabetes. What is the main finding and its importance? High-intensity interval training may be more effective than moderate-intensity continuous training in improving endothelial function, blood pressure and flow-mediated dilatation through its effects on adropin and NOx in patients with type 2 diabetes. Adropin is a newly identified bioactive protein that is important in energy hemostasis and vascular endothelial function. Lower levels of adropin in patients with type 2 diabetes are related to coronary atherosclerosis, characterized by impaired flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). The purpose of the present study was to investigate FMD and plasma levels of adropin and nitrite/nitrate (NOx) in patients with type 2 diabetes at baseline and follow-up after 12weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). Sixty-six persons with type 2 diabetes were divided into HIIT, MICT, and control groups. The HIIT group intervention was 12 intervals (1.5min) at 85-90% maximal heart rate (HRmax ) separated by 2min at 55-60% HRmax in three sessions per week for 12weeks. MICT training consisted of 42min of cycling at 70% HRmax . Before and after the intervention, FMD was recorded with high-resolution Doppler ultrasound. Plasma levels of adropin and NOx were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. After training FMD was significantly higher in the MICT and HIIT groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). Plasma levels of adropin and NOx were higher in both exercise groups, but the increase was greater in the HIIT group (P<0.01). Peak oxygen consumption was increased after exercise training in both groups compared to the control group (P<0.01). Percentage FMD showed a positive correlation with plasma levels of adropin and NOx (both P<0.01), and a negative correlation with diastolic blood pressure (r=-0.530, P=0.035) and systolic blood pressure (r=-0.606, P=0.013) in the HIIT group. The results indicate that HIIT improved FMD whilst increasing adropin, NOx and peak oxygen consumption. Increased plasma levels of adropin may contribute, in part, to blood pressure reduction by increasing nitric oxide production.

High-intensity Interval Training for Patients with Cardiovascular Disease

High-intensity Interval Training for Patients with Cardiovascular Disease

High-Intensity Interval Training in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) appears to be safe and effective in cardiovascular diseases. However, there is a paucity of data on the effect of HIIT for patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). The present randomized controlled trial (RCT) therefore examined the efficiency and safety of HIIT in patients with acute PE. In single-center parallel open-label RCT, 24 patients (5 women) discharged recently with a diagnosis of intermediate-high-risk acute PE were randomized (1:1) to supervised HIIT (n = 12) or control (n = 12) group. The primary outcomes were exercise capacity evaluated in terms of the estimated maximal oxygen uptake (eV˙O2max), lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1]), right ventricular (RV) function (RV/left ventricular diameter [LV] ratio), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Safety was the secondary outcome. Eight weeks of HIIT improved eV˙O2max (+65%, P < 0.001), FEV1 (%) (+17%, P = 0.031), and RV/LV ratio diameter (-27%, P = 0.005), as well as HRQoL. All patients in the HIIT group tolerated exercise training without serious adverse events. The control group did not improve (P > 0.05) eV˙O2max, RV/LV ratio diameter, or HRQoL; however, FEV1 (%) was slightly reduced (-6%, P = 0.030). The present RCT of a tailored center-based HIIT intervention provides preliminary evidence that this intervention could improve exercise capacity, lung function, RV function, and HRQoL without serious adverse events, which could provide marked clinical benefits after PE. Further larger multicenter randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm these promising findings.