Effect of continuous high-intensity training on left ventricular and left atrial strain in patients with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary PCI

Abstract

Background: High intensity interval training (HIIT) was proved to be safe and effective but there is a gap of evidence regarding safety and efficacy of continuous high intensity exercise training (CHIT) in cardiac patients. This study aims to compare the impact of continuous high intensity versus continuous moderate-intensity training (CMIT) on left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) strain parameters during cardiac rehabilitation. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Patients were randomized into two groups: one group received CHIT, while the control group followed CMIT. Echocardiographic assessments, including LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and LA strain (LAS) parameters, were performed before and after a six-week rehabilitation program. Results: The CHIT group showed a greater improvement in LV GLS, with a mean increase from-11.27% to-13.58% (p