High intensity interval training in interstitial lung disease: a randomized controlled trial

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High intensity interval training (HIIT) is safe and well-tolerated but does not provide greater improvements in exercise endurance compared to standard moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) in patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

Leona Dowman; Anthony K. May; Catherine J. Hill; Janet Bondarenko; L Spencer; Norman R Morris; Jennifer A Alison; James Walsh; Yet H Khor; Nicole Goh; Tamera J Corte; I Glaspole; Daniel C Chambers; Christine F McDonald; Anne E Holland

doi:10.1093/ajrccm/aamag446

September 9, 2026American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineOpen Access

High intensity interval training in interstitial lung disease: a randomized controlled trial

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Key Points

To compare the efficacy and safety of high-intensity interval training against standard moderate-intensity continuous training during pulmonary rehabilitation in people with fibrotic interstitial lung disease.
Randomized controlled trial of 131 participants with fibrotic interstitial lung disease, stratified by exertional desaturation (SpO2 < or ≥ 90%).
Participants were assigned to either high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) during an 8-week, twice-weekly pulmonary rehabilitation program.
Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately post-rehabilitation, and at 6 months, analyzed using linear mixed models and intention-to-treat analysis.
Cycle endurance time showed clinically important improvements in both arms, with no significant difference between groups (mean difference -63 s, 95% CI -195 to 68 s).
Six-minute walk distance improved similarly without significant between-group divergence (mean difference 4 m, 95% CI -20 to 28 m), mirroring secondary outcomes including symptoms and quality of life.
No adverse events occurred in either cohort, with comparable rates of program completion and adherence to prescribed training intensity and progression.

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Implication

Randomized trial demonstrates equivalent endurance gains between interval and continuous training in fibrotic interstitial lung disease, suggesting interval training offers a viable alternative.

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Cite This Study

Dowman et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6aa51ef5327956e4761f8f9d https://doi.org/10.1093/ajrccm/aamag446

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High intensity interval training in interstitial lung disease: a randomized controlled trial

Key Points

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High intensity interval training in interstitial lung disease: a randomized controlled trial

Key Points

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Implication

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