Impact of high-intensity interval training on cardiac structure and function after COVID-19: an investigator-blinded randomized controlled trial
Iben Elmerdahl Rasmussen, Mathilde Løk, Cody Durrer, Frederik Foged, Vera Graungaard Schelde, Josephine Bjørn Budde, Rasmus Syberg Rasmussen, Emma Fredskild Høvighoff, Villads Rasmussen, Mark Lyngbæk, Simon Jønck, Rikke Krogh‐Madsen, Birgitte Lindegaard, Peter Godsk Jørgensen, Lars Køber, Niels Vejlstrup, Bente Klarlund Pedersen, Mathias Ried‐Larsen, Morten Asp Vonsild Lund, Regitse Højgaard Christensen, Ronan M. G. Berg
Abstract
In this randomized clinical trial on individuals previously hospitalized for COVID-19, a 12 wk supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) scheme was found to increase left ventricular mass, whereas pulmonary diffusing capacity was unaffected. The findings indicate that HIIT is an efficacious exercise intervention for targeting the heart after COVID-19.