Is High-intensity Interval Training a Feasible Therapy Option in Geriatric Rehabilitation? A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Abstract

Background With an increasing number of inpatients in geriatric rehabilitation, there is continuing interest in efficient training measures regarding physical performance.Objectives To examine the feasibility and outcomes of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in geriatric patients.

Methods Single-centre randomized controlled study of HIIT vs. moderate continuous training (MCT) for patients ≥65 years old referred to inpatient rehabilitation. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was performed before the first and last training in order to measure participant’s cardiorespiratory fitness. At the same time-points patients completed a series of questionnaires regarding subjective improvements and acceptance of the training methods.

Results Regarding feasibility, HIIT showed a completion rate of 82.4% and an adherence rate of completed sessions of 83.3%. HIIT significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness (+13% for VO2peak, p=0.01), respiratory quotient (+9%, p=0.01) and power output (+12% for Watt peak, p=0.01) compared with MCT. Significant improvements were also seen over time for physical and mental scores of PROMIS-10 and quality of life.

Conclusion A HIIT intervention has proven feasible for elderly patients in a geriatric rehabilitative setting. Further research should specify the HIIT intervention in order to offer this training to more patients. Long-term observations are also needed.

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund Mit zunehmender Anzahl stationärer Patienten in der geriatrischen Rehabilitation besteht ein anhaltendes Interesse an effizienten Trainingsmassnahmen bezüglich körperlicher Leistungsfähigkeit. Ziele Überprüfung der Machbarkeit und Ergebnisse eines hochintensiven Intervalltrainings (HIIT) bei geriatrischen Patienten.

Methodik Monozentrische randomisierte, kontrollierte Studie über HIIT im Vergleich zu moderatem, kontinuierlichem Training (MCT) bei Patienten ≥65 Jahren, die einer stationäre Rehabilitation zugewiesen wurden. Vor dem ersten und letzten Training wurde ein kardiopulmonaler Belastungstest (CPET) durchgeführt, um die kardiorespiratorische Fitness der Teilnehmer zu messen. Gleichzeitig füllten die Patienten eine Reihe von Fragebögen aus, um Informationen über subjektive Verbesserungen und die Akzeptanz der Trainingsmethoden zu erhalten.

Ergebnisse Hinsichtlich der Durchführbarkeit zeigte HIIT eine Abschlussrate von 82,4% und eine Adhärenzrate von abgeschlossenen Trainings von 83,3%. HIIT verbesserte signifikant die kardiorespiratorische Fitness (+13% für VO2peak, p=0,01), den Respirationsquotienten (+9%, p=0,01) und die Leistungsabgabe (+12% für Watt peak, p=0,01) im Vergleich zu MCT. Signifikante Verbesserungen wurden über die Zeit auch bei den physischen und psychischen PROMIS-10-Werten und der Lebensqualität festgestellt.

Schlussfolgerungen Die HIIT-Intervention hat sich bei älteren Patienten in einer geriatrischen Rehabilitationseinrichtung als machbar erwiesen. Weitere Forschungsarbeiten sollten das HIIT weiter spezifizieren, um dieses Training einer grösseren Zahl potenzieller Patienten anbieten zu können. Langzeitbeobachtungen sind erforderlich.

Keywords

Rehabilitation - geriatrics - high-intensity training - interval training - physiotherapy

Schlüsselwörter

rehabilitation - Geriatrie - High intensity Training - Intervalltraining - Physiotherapie

Publication History

Received: 14 December 2021

Accepted: 25 May 2022

Article published online:
01 July 2022

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