title: Group-based aerobic interval training in patients with chronic heart failure: Norwegian Ullevaal Model.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this case report is to describe the responses of 4 patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) to a novel rehabilitation program: a group-based, high-intensity, interval-training program that includes aerobic, resistance, flexibility, and balance activities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four patients (55-71 years of age) with CHF (New York Heart Association class III) participated in the rehabilitation program twice per week for 16 weeks. Outcome measures included a 6-minute walk test (6MWT), a cycle ergometer test (aerobic capacity), and a quality-of-life questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients 1, 2, and 3 increased their aerobic capacity (17%, 25%, and 52%, respectively). Patient 4 did not complete the cycle ergometer test because of limitations associated with his pacemaker. All patients increased their 6MWT distance (117, 66, 135, and 143 m for patients 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively). No adverse events were reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Norwegian Ullevaal Model of cardiac rehabilitation is a novel high-intensity, interval-training program. The 4 patients with CHF in this case series who participated in this program experienced improvements in physical capacity and quality of life and had no adverse events. These results are consistent with recent evidence supporting the efficacy of high-intensity interval training in people with CHF. Randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of this group-based, high-intensity, aerobic interval-training program for patients with CHF.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Ullevaal University Hospital, Kirkeveien 166, N-0407 Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: Birgitta Blakstad
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Nilsson
authors.forename: Brit
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hellesnes
authors.forename: Arne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Westheim
authors.forename: May Arna
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Risberg
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015897:Comorbidity; D003376:Counseling; D005080:Exercise Test; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D004856:Postural Balance; D011788:Quality of Life; D013318:Stroke Volume; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D018754:Ventricular Dysfunction / Q000453:epidemiology