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 I2 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.