For decades, moderate intensity continuous training has been the cornerstone of exercise prescription for cardiac rehabilitation. High intensity interval training (HIIT) is now recognised in cardiac rehabilitation exercise guidelines as an appropriate and efficient modality for improving cardiorespiratory fitness, a strong predictor of mortality. However, the clinical application of HIIT in real world cardiac rehabilitation settings, in terms of feasibility, safety, and long-term adherence, needs further investigation to address ongoing reservations. Furthermore the effect of HIIT on visceral adipose tissue, body composition, vascular function, and other markers of cardiometabolic health also warrant further investigation.

This study is a single study randomised controlled trial in collaboration with The Wesley Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, involving a 4-week cardiac rehabilitation program with a 12-month follow-up. Patients are randomised to 1) Intervention exercise protocol (HIIT) or 2) Usual care exercise protocol (moderate intensity continuous training).

Funding Body: Wesley Medical Research, The University of Queensland, and NHMRC Postgraduate Research Scholarship.

Project members

The University of Queensland researchers involved in this project are:

Professor Jeff Coombes

Professor & Director
School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences

Dr Shelley Keating

Senior Lecturer
School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences

Dr Michael Leveritt

Honorary Senior Lecturer
School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences

Dr David Holland

Honorary Associate Professor
School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences