Article

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of three individualized exercise training
prescriptions using either a percentage of maximal heart rate (HR), maximal
6-minute walk test (6MWT) HR, or maximal 200-metre fast walk test (200-mFWT) HR,
on walking performance and exercise capacity in coronary artery disease (CAD)
patients. DESIGN: Controlled clinical study. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-seven
outpatients enrolled in a rehabilitation programme after an acute coronary
syndrome. SETTING: Cardiac rehabilitation unit. Interventions: Three groups: (A):
moderate intensity continuous exercise (MICE) at 70% of the maximal HR of the
graded maximal exercise test (n = 10); (B): MICE at the maximal 6MWT HR (n = 8);
(C): high intensity interval training (HIIT) based on the 6MWT and the 200-mFWT
maximal HR (n = 9). Group B and C performed walk tests every 2 weeks, to readjust
training HR (THR) if needed. MEASURES: 6MWT and 200-mFWT performances, peak VO(2)
and peak power (Pmax). RESULTS: 6MWT and 200-mFWT performances improved
significantly and similarly in all groups (P < 0.05). Peak VO(2) improved
significantly in all groups (P < 0.05), this improvement being higher in group C
(HIIT) versus A (P < 0.05). Group B was closer to the recommended THR during
exercise sessions compared to group A. CONCLUSION:
This pilot study showed that
using the 6MWT and 200-mFWT HR to individualize MICE or HIIT prescription is
feasible in CAD patients, and could lead them closer to THR objective, to similar
improvements in walking performance, and greater peak VO(2) increase for HIIT.
Future randomised studies should investigate long-term effects of programmes
prescribed from walk tests HR, especially for HIIT modality.

Langue : ANGLAIS