Ejercicio interválico de alta intensidad versus ejercicio aeróbico continuo combinado con ejercicio de fuerza en pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular moderada.

Abstract

Introduction: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) consists of short bursts of intense activity interspersed with rest periods lasting a few minutes. Aerobic exercise involves training at a constant, moderate intensity, while strength exercises result from muscle action initiated and synchronized via the nervous system. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of HIIT versus aerobic exercise combined with strength training in adult patients with moderate cardiovascular disease. Methodology: A retrospective, observational, quantitative, longitudinal, and analytical-relational study was conducted. Fifty patients with confirmed moderate cardiovascular disease participated. Results: Aerobic exercise combined with strength training showed a greater increase in muscle strength as measured by dynamometry (p < 0.001), reaching values of 26.6 kg for the right hand and 23.3 kg for the left; improvements in quality of life were also observed (p=0.03), particularly in the domains of general health, physical functioning, physical health, emotional well-being, and social functioning according to the SF- 36 questionnaire. HIIT yielded better results regarding cardiorespiratory fitness, evidenced by an increase in the distance covered during the 6-minute walk test (from 329 m to 445 m). Discussion: The findings align with previous studies highlighting the importance of combining aerobic and strength exercises to reduce cardiovascular strain during activities of daily living. Conclusions: Although both types of training are effective during cardiovascular rehabilitation, aerobic exercise combined with strength training demonstrated greater benefits regarding strength, distance covered, and quality of life