Table 3. Common high-intensity and interval exercise training protocols used in cardiovascular rehabilitation.
CPET: cardiopulmonary exercise testing; HIIT: high-intensity interval training; HR: heart rate; MI: myocardial infarction
| Type of HIIT Protocol | Description | Intensity Structure | Target Population | Example Exercises |
| Short-interval HIIT | Brief bursts of high-intensity exercise (15-60 seconds) followed by short recovery (15-120 seconds). | 85%-100% peak HR | Relatively young and stable post-MI & stroke patients | Treadmill Sprints, cycling sprints |
| Medium-interval HIIT | 1-2 minutes of high-intensity exercise with 1-4 minutes of low-intensity recovery. | 70%-90% peak HR | Patients recovering from MI or stroke | Jogging followed by walking |
| Long-interval HIIT | Longer high-intensity efforts (4 minutes) with extended recovery periods (3 minutes). | 85%-95% peak HR | Older patients, post-MI or stroke | Rowing or cycling at high intensity |
| Low-Volume HIIT | Shorter sessions focusing on fewer intervals but maintaining high intensity for safety and adherence. | 70%-85% peak HR | Older patients recovering from MI or stroke or with multiple comorbidities | Cycling at high intensity for 1 minute, rest for 2 minutes |
| Fartlek training | Blends continuous running with random bursts of speed. | Variable | Runners recovering from cardiac and stroke events | Sprinting between trees during a run |
| Tabata protocol | A specific form of HIIT lasting 4 minutes, consisting of 20 seconds of ultra-intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for 8 rounds. | Near-maximal to supra-maximal effort, > 110% of peak HR and VO2 max | The general population, including those with CVD | Bodyweight exercises like burpees or squats |
| EMOM (Every Minute on the Minute) | Perform a set number of repetitions at the start of each minute, resting for the remainder. | Variable | Patients with advanced levels of exercise training | Push-ups or kettlebell swings |
| Supervised HIIT in rehabilitation | A structured program involving multiple sessions per week focusing on safety and gradual intensity increase. | Personalized based on CPET results | Patients in rehabilitation post-MI & post-stroke | Treadmill intervals or recumbent cycling |