The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Exercise Capacity in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: The optimal exercise prescription for coronary artery disease (CAD) remains under debate. The aim of our meta-analysis is to investigate the efficacy of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) of coronary artery disease patients. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched from their inception date until October 23, 2021, and the articles include randomized controlled trials. The mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I(2) test. RESULTS: The study standards were met by seventeen studies. The pooled studies included 902 patients. HIIT resulted in improvement in peak oxygen uptake (1.50 ml/kg/min, 95% confidence interval: 0.48 to 2.53, n = 853 patients, and low quality evidence) compared with MICT. There was no discernible difference between the individuals in the HIIT group and the MICT group in terms of systolic/diastolic blood pressure or peak/resting heart rate. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis reported the superiority of HIIT versus MICT in enhancing peak oxygen uptake in CAD patients.