Effects of high-intensity interval training and moderate continuous aerobic exercise after a percutaneous coronary intervention / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of high-intensity interval training and moderate continuous aerobic training on patients classified as low risk for exercise rehabilitation after a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Methods:A total of 43 patients considered low-risk after a PCI were randomly divided into a high-intensity interval training group (HIIT group, 22 cases) and a moderate continuous aerobic training group (MCT group, 21 cases). The HIIT group received high-intensity, but aerobic interval training involving 8 rounds of 3 minutes of high-intensity exercise with 2-minute intervals at 80% of peak power over 40 minutes, 3 times a week. The MCT group trained continuously at 60% of peak power for the same duration. After 12 weeks both groups were given an ultrasound examination and a cardiopulmonary exercise test to assess their cardiac functioning and exercise endurance. The subjects′ life quality was evaluated and compared using some items from the SF-36 scale.Results:Before the training, no significant differences were observed in the average left ventricular ejection fraction, stroke volume, peak power, peak oxygen uptake, anaerobic threshold, physiological functioning, physical pain, general health or social functioning between the two groups. After the training significant improvement in all these indicators was observed in both groups, but compared with MCT group, the average left ventricular ejection fraction, stroke volume, peak power and peak oxygen uptake of the HIIT group were significantly better.Conclusions:High-intensity, aerobic interval training is superior to moderate but continuous aerobic training for improving the cardiac functioning and exercise endurance of patients suitable for exercise rehabilitation after a PCI. But there is no significant difference in their effect on the short-term quality of life.