Congenital heart diseaseRandomised controlled trial
Home-based, online-monitored high-intensity interval training improves fitness in patients with tetralogy of Fallot: a randomised controlled trial
- randomised controlled trial
- home-based, online-monitored
- heart rate telemonitoring
Authors' conclusion
HIIT significantly enhances exercise capacity in adolescents and young adults with rToF without adverse effects on cardiac structure or function, although the sample size limits the detection of subtle changes and can be successfully performed at home with online monitoring. This intervention offers a feasible alternative to traditional, on-site supervised exercise programmes, for patients with rToF, including those with lower RV EF.
Study context
- Population
- Patients aged 12–30 years with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rToF)median age 16 (IQR 14–23)
- Participants
- 34 patients
- Comparison
- 12-week home-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programme vs standard of care
- Primary endpoint
- Co-primary: mean differences in peak oxygen consumption (VO2) and maximal workload (linear mixed-effects (LME) models)
- Follow-up
- 12 weeks
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
HIIT
38.3 (34.0-42.5) mL/kg/min
Peak VO2 before · Peak VO2 after 40.9 (36.6-45.2) mL/kg/min · Workload before 204 (174-234) W · Workload after 218 (188-248) W
- peak VO2, increase after HIIT
- ∆ 4.0 mL/kg/min (95% CI 1.52–6.53)
- workload, increase after HIIT
- ∆ 17 W (95% CI 5–30)
Secondary outcomes
Cardiac volumes and ejection fraction
- No changes in cardiac volumes and ejection fraction after HIIT
Determinants of VO2 improvement
- VO2 improved after HIIT independent of baseline fitness, body mass index and biventricular size
- Lower right ventricular ejection fraction (RV EF) associated with greater improvement
Original publication
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it