Effect of home-based high-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training in patients with myocardial infarction: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been proposed to be more effective than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) for improving exercise capacity, but there are not sufficient information effects of home-based HIIT and MICT in patients with myocardial infarction (MI).

Aims: To compare the effects of home-based HIIT and MICT in patients with MI.

Methods: Twenty-one patients with MI were randomly assigned to one of two home-based exercise modes: HIIT group and MICT group. Home-based HIIT and MICT were performed twice a week for 12 weeks with an exercise intensity of 85-95% of heart rate (HR) reserve and 70-75% HR reserve, respectively. The primary outcome measure was functional capacity. Secondary outcomes included resting blood pressure and HR, peripheral oxygen saturation, pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength, dyspnea severity, body composition (body fat%, body mass ındex (BMI), fat free muscle), peripheral muscle strength, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Results: Functional capacity, measured by 6-minute walk test, increased in HIIT and MICT group (p < 0.05). Resting BP and HR, body fat%, and BMI were significantly decreased, and pulmonary functions, respiratory-peripheral muscle strength, and HRQoL were significantly increased in the both groups (p < 0.05). Home-based HIIT was more effective than MICT in improving pulmonary functions and lower extremity muscle strength (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: This study suggests that HIIT and MICT can be applied at home-based in patients with MI and play an important role in improving functional capacity, health outcomes, and HRQoL.

Trial registration: Clinical Trials Number: NCT04407624.