Interval training is an exercise modality underused in patients with coronary artery disease even though different authors have shown its physiological benefits.
To describe a simple method of interval training and to evaluate its benefits and safety in patients with coronary artery disease.
Twenty-five patients with stable coronary artery disease underwent high-intensity interval training on a cycle ergometer. To determine the training work rate, we performed a steep ramp test. The training consisted of intervals of 20 seconds at 50%of the maximum load achieved in the steep ramp test, followed by intervals of 40 seconds at 10%. A cycle ergospirometry was performed before and after the programme to compare data.
After 8 weeks of interval training, there were significant gains in V02 peak (19.9卤5.3 vs. 23.8卤6 mL路kg-1路min鈭?), maximal work rate (103.5卤42.6 vs.124.6卤53.4 watts), maximal heart rate (117.6卤15.7 vs. 128卤16.5 bpm) and heart rate recovery index in the first minute (16.5卤9.2 vs. 21.3卤7.7 bpm). There were no adverse events.
In patients with coronary artery disease, high-intensity interval training is an easy, safe exercise modality that produces improvement in VO2 peak and exercise tolerance.