Effects of high intensity interval training and sprint interval training in patients with asthma: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study is to review the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT)/sprint interval training (SIT) on asthma symptoms, cardiorespiratory functions, and other variables among asthmatic patients.

Data sources

Randomized controlled trials published between January 2000 and January 2021 were searched in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases.

Study selections

Following pre-specified inclusion criteria, this review included 7 randomized controlled studies that compare HIIT/SIT as an intervention with any other intervention and/or control group.

Results

Of the included studies only four reported the chronic phase effects of the HIIT/SIT protocols. HIIT and SIT protocols applied in studies differ. HIIT improved forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) in the acute phase and maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max) in the chronic phase in the asthmatic patients (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

To our knowledge, our systematic review is the first study evaluating the effects of HIIT/SIT protocols on asthma patients. HIIT/SIT protocols have beneficial effects on asthma patients. In order to better understand the results of these training procedures, studies that will be designed with high methodology are needed.

Keywords:

• Exercise
• acute
• chronic
• FEV₁
• VO_2max

Acknowledgments

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest. All authors have approved the final article.

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, [GKA], upon reasonable request.