Umeå University's logo

Background: High-intensity exercise is essential for optimal physiological exercise adaptations but challenging to perform for most people with COPD due to ventilatory limitations, leading to use of lower exercise intensities accompanied by suboptimal stress on the cardiovascular and muscular system. This study compared the acute effects of a novel concept of short-duration supramaximal high-intensity interval training (HIIT) vs. traditional moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in people with COPD.

Methods: Thirteen people with COPD (75±6 yr; 8 males; 72±13 FEV1%pred; 124±37 Wpeak) performed short-duration supramaximal HIIT and MICT on a cycle ergometer in a randomized order. HIIT consisted of 10x6s sprints interspersed with 1-min recovery and was performed at two intensities (HIIT60% & HIIT80%). MICT consisted of 20-min at 60% of CPET Wpeak. Cardiorespiratory parameters, blood lactate concentration, ratings of exertion/symptoms, and exercise modality preference were obtained.

Results: Exercise characteristics and physiological data are seen in Table 1. All patients completed HIIT, while 4 out of 13 stopped MICT prematurely. Notably, 85% preferred HIIT over MICT.

Conclusion: The novel concept of short-duration supramaximal HIIT enabled a 3 to 4-fold increase in exercise intensity vs. MICT. Notably, the cardiorespiratory demand during HIIT was similar to MICT, and clinically relevant reductions in symptoms were even seen in favor of HIIT.