The FITR Heart Study: Feasibility, Safety, Adherence, and Efficacy of High Intensity Interval Training in hospital-initiated rehabilitation for coronary heart disease

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.