Long-term effects of high-intensity interval training in heart transplant recipients: A 5-year follow-up study of a randomized controlled trial.
Yardley M, Gullestad L, et al.Clinical Transplantation 2017; 31(1).
Aims
To follow-up on a previous randomised controlled trial (RCT)* to evaluate the long-term effects of a high-intensity interval training (HIT) program in heart transplant recipients (HTx).
Interventions
The previous RCT evaluated the effect and safety of HIT after HTx by comparing HIT intervention with usual care, and testing VO2peak at baseline and after 12 months. During the four years between the 1-year follow-up and the 5-year follow-up, all participants followed annual routine controls without any specific exercise intervention.
Participants
41 heart transplant recipients in a stable clinical condition who completed 1-year follow-up of the previous RCT, had optimal medical therapy and the ability to perform a maximal exercise test on a treadmill.
Outcomes
Outcomes measured inlcuded baseline characteristics, physical capacity, exercise variables, muscular exercise capacity, body composition and metabolic profile, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), depression and anxiety, coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).
Follow-up
5 years
CET Conclusions
This is a very careful five-year follow-up study of 41 cardiac transplant recipients who were randomly exposed to high intensity interval training (HIT) compared to moderate continuous exercise in the first year after transplantation. At one year, there had been a demonstrable benefit of HIT. However, there was no difference at five years between the two groups in terms of physical activity, muscle strength, progress of coronary artery disease as demonstrated by cardio-angiography and IVUS, but there was less anxiety in the high intensity training group. The authors conclude that the early benefits of the HIT intervention were lost at five years and it is possible that the HIT would have to be continued to maintain the early improvement produced by HIT.
Data analysis
Per protocol analysis
Quality notes
Previously assessed as *Nytroen K, et al. High-intensity interval training improves peak oxygen uptake and muscular exercise capacity in heart transplant recipients. Am J Transplant. 2012;12:3134–3142.
Trial registration
None