Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training vs. Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Quality of Life and Mental Health in Post-Myocardial Infarction Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effects of two exercise-based programs over a short-term 6-week period, compared to a control group (no exercise program), on the quality of life (QoL) and mental health of patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 72 patients with MI were individually randomized (1:1:1) into three groups: HIIT, MICT, and control. Both training programs consisted of 6 weeks of supervised treadmill exercise, three sessions per week. MICT was performed at ≈70–75% of peak heart rate (HR), while HIIT was performed at ≈85–95% of HRpeak. The control group followed standard medical recommendations. Outcome measures included assessments of QoL (SF-36) and anxiety and depression (HADS). Results: In the exercise groups, 6 out of the 8 SF-36 dimensions showed a significant improvement after 6 weeks. The HIIT group exhibited noteworthy enhancements in physical functioning (p = 0.022) and general health dimensions (p = 0.015) compared to the MICT group. Baseline anxiety and depression scores, albeit modestly elevated, substantially decreased following the 6-week exercise interventions in both exercise groups, exhibiting statistical significance compared to the control group (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between the HIIT and MICT in terms of mental health. Conclusion: Both exercise programs were equally effective in improving QoL and mental health in MI patients. However, the HIIT group showed greater improvements in physical functioning and general health dimensions than the MICT group. Our findings emphasize that abstaining from exercise-based post-MI programs correlates with lower QoL, and higher anxiety and depression scores. This underscores the significance of implementing exercise-based rehabilitation strategies to optimize the recovery and well-being of patients with MI.