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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2020 Jun 5;20(1):197.
doi: 10.1186/s12877-020-01596-7.

Feasibility and safety of high-intensity interval training for the rehabilitation of geriatric inpatients (HIITERGY) a pilot randomized study

Rita Pires Peixoto  1   2 , Véronique Trombert  1 , Antoine Poncet  3 , Jérôme Kizlik  1 , Gabriel Gold  1 , Georg Ehret  2 , Andrea Trombetti  4 , Jean-Luc Reny  5   6
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Feasibility and safety of high-intensity interval training for the rehabilitation of geriatric inpatients (HIITERGY) a pilot randomized study

Rita Pires Peixoto et al. BMC Geriatr. .

Abstract

Background: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to be more effective than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) for the physical rehabilitation. However, data on its suitability for older hospitalized patients is scarce.

Methods: Randomized controlled trial in a hospital setting. Inclusion of 100 patients, ≥65 years old, hospitalized for rehabilitation after an acute medical condition, in a two-week rehabilitation program of either four HIIT or three MICT sessions per week. Completion was defined as participation in all but two planned sessions accomplishing ≥50% of each session. We assessed: upper-limb muscle strength (handgrip isometric strength test), lower-limb muscle strength (quadriceps and ankle flexion and extension tests); gait speed and spatio-temporal parameters (instrumented walkway), and exercise capacity (6-min walk test). All adverse events were recorded as safety endpoints.

Results: An intention-to-treat analysis showed a 44% completion rate for the HIIT group (95% CI, 30-59) and 77% for MICT (95% CI, 55-82). A modified intention-to-treat analysis restricted to patients who participated in ≥1 session showed an 88% completion rate in the HIIT group (95%CI, 69-97) and an 80% completion rate in MICT (95%CI, 65-90). The exercises most frequently undertaken were the pedal exerciser (54%) and the NuStep (32%). There were no significant differences in the various measures. No serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusion: A HIIT rehabilitation program for this population was feasible, safe and had a high adherence rate.

Trial registration number: Clinicatrials.gov ID: NCT02318459. Trial registration date: November 7th, 2014. Retrospectively registered. This study adheres to the CONSORT guidelines.

Keywords: Elderly; Feasibility; HIIT; High-intensity interval training; Rehabilitation; Safety.

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Conflict of interest statement

Rita Pires Peixoto: no disclosures.

Véronique Trombert: no disclosures.

Antoine Poncet: no disclosures.

Jérôme Kizlik: no disclosures.

Gabriel Gold: no disclosures.

Georg Ehret: no disclosures.

Andrea Trombetti: no disclosures.

Jean-Luc Reny: no disclosures.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Study flow chart
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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