Sportkardiologie / Sports Cardiology

Abstract

Introduction: Applicability and effectiveness of high intensity interval training currently being discussed and investigated as a possible addition to moderate continuous training (MCT) for patients with CHF-HFrEF especially in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Meanwhile, a prospective multi-centre-RCT and meta-analyses are also available for high intensity interval training.Method: We conducted a selective literature search until December 2017. This was focussed on studies to evaluate high-intensity interval-training modalities in CR in patients with CHF-HFrEF.Results: While early (and often small) studies with a great variety in exercise-intensity and -protocol-modalities and following meta-analyses often showed highly significant positive results with regard to the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and other relevant clinical parameters, current prospective multicentre RCTs show no such significant advantages for high intensity training compared to MCT.Discussion: High intensity training in CR phase II and III is a equivalent form of exercise for CHF-HFrEF patients showing equivalent improvement of cardiovascular protection factors, clinical CHF-parameters and quality of life compared with MCT. High-intensity interval training may be applied in stable CHF-HFrEF-patients who tolerate MCT well and in whom further improvement in exercise capacity is aimed. Nevertheless, there is still a need for research in a more precise clinical-application and its long-term effects. KEY WORDS: Cardiac Rehabilitation, Exercise, Endurance Training, Chronic Heart Failure, High Intensity Interval Training