The comparison of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) rehabilitation programs in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD)

<bold>Background:</bold> Survival in ILD patients is generally poor, yet it has been suggested that exercise tolerance predicts longer survival among them. However, the impact of a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program remains unaddressed to date. <bold>Aims and objectives:</bold> The study aimed to the effects of a HIIT- versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT)-integrated PR program in ILD patients. <bold>Methods:</bold> Hospitalized patients were randomly divided into two groups including MICT and HIIT. In the MICT group, patients performed 30 minutes of continuous exercise with 60% of maximum exercise capacity. In the HIIT group, the patients performed interval exercises including 2 minutes of activity with an intensity of 80% of the maximum exercise capacity, then 2 minutes of recovery with an intensity of 50%. The patients warmed up for 5 minutes with an intensity of 70% of the maximum HR. They cooled down the body for 5 minutes with an intensity of 20-30% of the maximum HR. The duration of the exercises was 30 minutes for 10 days. <bold>Results:</bold> In both groups, the mean of the 6mwt, SF-12, sit-to-stand, fatigue, dyspnea, and SpO2 before and after rehabilitation programs were significantly different (p<0.05). There were significant differences in 6mwt and SF-12 between groups (p<0.05), Meanwhile, fatigue, dyspnea, and SpO2 had no significant difference. <bold>Conclusions:</bold> Both MICT and HIIT training programs can be considered efficient rehabilitation programs in improving the clinical conditions of ILD patients and it is better to plan individually based on the patient's ability.