High-intensity interval training versus progressive high-intensity circuit resistance training on endothelial function and cardiorespiratory fitness in heart failure: A preliminary randomized controlled trial

PLoS One. 2021 Oct 1;16(10):e0257607. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257607. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Introduction: Exercise training is strongly recommended as a therapeutic approach to treat individuals with heart failure. High-intensity exercise training modalities still controversial in this population. The study aims to preliminary assess the consequences of high-intensity exercise training modalities, aerobic interval training (HIIT) and progressive high circuit-resistance training (CRT), on primarily endothelial function and cardiorespiratory fitness, and secondly on muscle strength and physical performance in heart failure patients.

Methods: This preliminary multicentric randomized controlled trial comprised 23 heart failure patients, aged 56 ± 10 years old, mainly New York Heart Association classification I and II (%), hemodynamically stable, who compromise at least 36 exercise sessions of a randomly assigned intervention (HIIT, CRT or control group). Endothelial function, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, muscle strength and physical performance were completed at baseline and post-intervention.

Results: Although no effects on endothelial function; both HIIT and CRT modalities were able to produce a positive effect on [Formula: see text] peak (HIIT = +2.1±6.5, CRT = +3.0±4.2 and control group = -0.1± 5.3 mL/kg/min, time*group p-value<0,05) and METs (HIIT = +0.6±1.8, CRT = +0.9±1.2 and control group = 0±1.6, time*group p-value<0,05). Only HIIT increased isokinetic torque peak (HIIT = +8.8±55.8, CRT = 0.0±60.7 and control group = 1.6±57.6 Nm) matched p-value<0,05. Regarding the physical performance, the CRT modality reduced chair stand test completion time (HIIT = -0.7±3.1, CRT = -3.3±3.2 and control group = -0.3±2.5 s, matched p-value<0,05 and HIIT improved global physical performance(time*group p<0,05).

Conclusion: This preliminary study trends to indicate for the first time that high-intensity interval training promotes a jointly superior effect compared to progressive high intensity circuit-resistance training by improving cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and physical performance. Further research with larger cohort is necessary.

Clinical trial registration number: ReBEC RBR-668c8v.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Body Composition / physiology
  • Cardiorespiratory Fitness / physiology*
  • Circuit-Based Exercise*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / physiopathology*
  • High-Intensity Interval Training*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Strength / physiology
  • Resistance Training*
  • Treatment Outcome

Grants and funding

NTS; Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brazil (CAPES DS), https://www.gov.br/capes/pt-br; GCJ; Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Distrito Federal (FAP-DF) – Brazil, National; http://www.fap.df.gov.br/ GCJ; Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq); https://www.gov.br/cnpq/pt-br NTS and DH; Special Research Fund for Bilateral scientific cooperation from Uhasselt (BOF-BILA) – Belgium; https://www.uhasselt.be/UH/Research-funding/Funding-programmes/BOF-programmes/Bilateral-scientific-cooperation.html The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.