The effect of interval and continuous aerobic training on exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in people with coronary artery DISEASE: A randomized controlled trial
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2026-02
Authors
Yalçın, Gülay
Mutluay, Fatma
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
W B SAUNDERS CO LTD
Abstract
Background: Aerobic exercise is a fundamental component of cardiac rehabilitation in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the comparative effects of interval and continuous aerobic training on exercise capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remain under debate. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 40 patients with clinically stable coronary artery disease. Participants were randomly assigned to either interval aerobic training or continuous aerobic training for six weeks. The 6-min walk test (6MWT) was used to evaluate exercise capacity, and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire was used to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL). All assessments were performed before and after the training program. Results: Both training groups demonstrated significant improvements in exercise capacity and HRQoL following the intervention. Interval aerobic training resulted in greater improvements in 6-min walk distance, exercise test duration, and selected SF-36 domains compared with continuous aerobic training. Conclusion: Both interval and continuous aerobic training improved exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease. Interval aerobic training was associated with superior improvements in submaximal exercise capacity and selected quality-of-life domains, suggesting that it may be an effective alternative within cardiac rehabilitation programs.
Description
Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
Keywords
Aerobic exercise , Cardiac rehabilitationInterval training , Exercise capacity , Coronary artery disease
Citation
Yalçın, G., & Mutluay, F. (2026). The effect of interval and continuous aerobic training on exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in people with coronary artery DISEASE: A randomized controlled trial. Respiratory Medicine, 252, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2026.108634
