Efficacy and Practical Application of High-Intensity Interval Training in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Abstract

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) has been shown to be inversely proportionate to cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Consequently, exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been recommended as a treatment for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Nevertheless, it remains controversial which exercise characteristics are most beneficial for patients with CVD. There is growing evidence that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is superior to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in improving CRF within the cardiac population. And HIIT appears to be as safe as MICT. However, there is no universal criteria or framework for the prescription and monitoring of HIIT in clinical populations. Providing personalized exercise programs according to the evidence-based recommendations for actual application of HIIT in patients with CVD, will help apply more effective and safe exercise training programs.