Mixed
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is superior to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) for improving cardiorespiratory fitness in cardiac rehabilitation patients, with significant benefits observed in programs lasting 7–12 weeks.
If you have coronary artery disease and are in cardiac rehab, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is likely more effective than moderate continuous exercise for improving your heart fitness. Look for programs that last 7 to 12 weeks and use intervals at 85% or more of your max capacity. These programs are supervised and have been shown to be safe, with no increased risk of cardiac events compared to moderate exercise.
HIIT was significantly superior to MICT in improving cardiorespiratory fitness overall (SMD 0.34 mL/kg/min; 95% confidence interval [CI; 0.2–0.48]; p<0.00001; I2=28%). ... For interventions of 7–12 weeks, HIIT was found to be significantly superior to MICT in improving VO2 peak (SMD 0.43 mL/kg/min; 95% CI [0.23–0.62], p<0.0001; I2=15%).
Why this rating
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 RCTs with 953 participants, though heterogeneity varied by subgroup.
Source
High-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training within cardiac rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Amanda L. Hannan et al. · Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine · 2018
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