title: Aerobic interval training vs. moderate continuous training in coronary artery disease patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Exercise training improves exercise capacity (peakVO2), which is closely related to long-term survival in cardiac patients. However, it remains unclear which type and intensity of exercise is most effective for improving exercise tolerance and body weight. Individual studies suggest that aerobic interval training (AIT) might increase peakVO2 more in this population.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We conducted a meta-analysis to summarize the effects of AIT compared with moderate continuous training (MCT) on peakVO2, submaximal exercise capacity, and body weight in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) with preserved and/or reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic search was conducted and we included randomized trials comparing AIT and MCT in CAD patients lasting at least 4 weeks, reporting peakVO2 results, and published in a peer-reviewed journal up to May 2013. The primary outcome measure was peakVO2. Secondary outcomes were submaximal exercise capacity parameters and body weight.
  
  
  METHODS
  Random- and fixed-effects models were used and data were reported as weighted means and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nine study groups were included, involving 206 patients (100 AIT, 106 MCT). Overall, AIT resulted in a significantly larger increase in peakVO2 [+1.60 mL/kg/min (95% CI 0.18-3.02; p = 0.03)] compared with MCT. MCT seemed to be more effective in reducing body weight (-0.78 kg; 95% CI -0.01 to 1.58; p = 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The small number of studies might have affected the power to reach significance for the secondary outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In CAD patients with preserved and/or reduced LVEF, AIT is superior to MCT for improving peakVO2, while MCT seems to be more effective in reducing body weight. However, large, well-designed, randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these findings.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Tervuursevest 101, B 1501, 3001, Heverlee, Belgium, nele.pattyn@faber.kuleuven.be.
authors.forename: Nele
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pattyn
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Coeckelberghs
authors.forename: Roselien
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Buys
authors.forename: Véronique A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Cornelissen
authors.forename: Luc
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vanhees
mesh_terms: D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D006801:Humans; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D012307:Risk Factors; D013318:Stroke Volume; D015431:Weight Loss