High-intensity Interval Training and Telerehabilitation

Effect of Home-based High-Intensity Interval Training Using TeleRehabilitation Among Coronary Heart Disease Patients

Telerehabilitation has the potential to become an alternative attitude to outpatient cardiac rehabilitation. The aim of our study is to research the method of high-intensity interval training in the home environment using telerehabilitation. Investigators assume that the high-intensity interval training form of telerehabilitation, using a heart rate monitor as a tool for backing up training data, can improve physical fitness and lead to higher peak oxygen uptake as the traditional moderate-intensity continuous training. The study is designed as a monocentral randomized controlled trial at University Hospital Brno in the Czech Republic.

After the coronary event, eligible patients will be randomly (in 1:1 ratio) separated into two groups: the experimental high-intensity interval training group and the moderate-intensity continuous control group. Both groups undergo a 12-week telerehabilitation training program with a 52-week follow-up period. The primary outcome observed will be the effect of intervention expressed by changes in peak oxygen uptake values.

The study relates to the previous study project CR-GPS, in which investigators proved the feasibility of cardiac telerehabilitation. The results showed that aerobic capacity and quality of life improved similarly in telerehabilitation and outpatient group of participating patients. During the research, investigators used the moderate-intensity continuous method. The present research focuses on high-intensity interval training, which presents comparable or even better results in cardiorespiratory condition effects and requires less time than a continuous method in patients with low or medium cardiovascular risk.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants with coronary artery disease (in last two months)
• with low or medium cardiovascular risk
• with heart revascularization
• with recommended pharmacotherapy
• with clinically stable state
• with the ability to perform a cardiopulmonary exercise test
• with the ability to understand and write in the Czech language
• with an internet connection at home
• literacy with information and communication technology

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants who were hospitalized with heart disease in the previous six weeks
• with psychological severe or cognitive disorders
• with contraindications for cardiopulmonary exercise testing
• with severe training limitations besides coronary artery disease
• with a planned intervention or operation
• participants who are enrolled in or participate in an outpatient form of cardiac rehabilitation
• participants who plan to be or are included in other studies