Interval Training in Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

The window of opportunity for cardiopulmonary clinicians to encourage their patients to make lasting lifestyle changes can often be very small. While patients are enrolled in a rehab program, it’s very important that clinicians push them while maintaining a safe environment. At times, it can be difficult to find a balance between Safety, Effectiveness and Efficiency (recognized as the S.E.E Principle) when working with cardiac and pulmonary patients.

Interval training is a great exercise method for cardiopulmonary patients. Interval training is defined as a set period of work followed by a set period of rest. Research has shown that interval training is a fast and efficient way to improve cardiovascular health as well as numerous metabolic pathways that contribute to many comorbidities often seen in these patients.

While interval training is a great exercise tool to be used in a supervised rehab setting, it is imperative that an initial exercise evaluation be completed before hand. The information obtained during this evaluation will determine if the patient should follow a Low Intensity, Moderate Intensity or High Intensity program.

We’ve created a two-page resource document that follows the FITT Principle for interval training:

  • Frequency: 4 – 5 days/week
  • Intensity: 40% – 90% HRR; RPE 12-15
  • Time: 150 mins/week of moderate intensity exercise
  • Type: Any modality

Visit our Educational Library to request a copy of this free resource document.