High-Intensity Interval Training Improves Peak Oxygen Uptake and Muscular Exercise Capacity in Heart Transplant Recipients.
Nytroen K, Rustad LA, et al.American Journal of Transplantation [record in progress].
Aims
1) To explore whether high-intensity interval training would improve peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in heart transplant recipients. 2) To investigate possible mechanisms behind a potential increase in VO2peak.
Interventions
High-intensity interval training (exercise intervention) versus no exercise intervention.
Participants
52 clinically stable heart transplant recipients.
Outcomes
Resting heart rate and blood pressure, heart rate and rated perceived excertion during sub-maximal exercise, VO2peak, maximum ventilation and maximum heart rate during maximal exercise, quadriceps muscle strength, quadriceps and hamstrings muscular exercise capacity, body composition, biochemistry parameters including N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide, C-reactive protein and interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and IL-10). Health-related quality of life measured by Short Form 36 (SF-36) and cardiac function measured by echocardiography.
Follow-up
1 year
CET Conclusions
In patients with a stable heart transplant a high intensity interval training programme resulted in an improvement in the VO2 peak levels in these patients and also resulted in improved general health. The authors conclude that high intensity interval training should be used more frequently in stable heart transplant recipients.
Data analysis
Per protocol analysis
Trial registration
NCT01091194 (ClinicalTrials.gov)