Effect of high-intensity training on peak oxygen uptake and muscular strength after lung transplantation: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract BACKGROUND Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) remains low after lung transplantation (LTx). We evaluated the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on VO2peak, muscular strength, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), pulmonary- and physical function after LTx. METHODS In this randomized controlled trial, 54 participants were enrolled 6-60 months after LTx. The HIIT group (n=25) followed a supervised HIIT program, consisting of endurance- and strength training three times a week for 20 weeks. The control group (n=29) received usual care. The primary outcome was change in VO2peak measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Secondary outcomes were changes in one-repetition-maximum (1RM) for arm- and leg press, HRQoL (SF-36), pulmonary function (FEV1, DLCO) and physical function (1RM in handgrip, 15 second stair run, and 30 second chair stand). RESULTS Forty-six participants completed the study, including 23 of 25 in the intervention group. For the primary outcome, the intention-to-treat analysis revealed a non-significant between-group difference for change in VO2peak [95%CI] of 0.7 [-0.3, 1.8] mL∙kg−1∙min−1 (p=0.17). The between-group differences for 1RM arm- and leg press, and mental aspect of SF-36 were 4.9 [-0.1, 9.9] kg (p=0.05), 11.6 [0.1, 23.0] kg (p CONCLUSIONS HIIT improved muscular strength and HRQoL but did not improve VO2peak more than usual care following LTx. However, with acceptable adherence, HIIT appears to have beneficial effects on VO2peak.