12 weeks high intensity interval training versus moderate intensity continuous training in chronic low back pain subjects: a randomised single-blinded feasibility study
Question
Is 12 weeks of supervised cycling HIIT feasible, acceptable, and safe compared with moderate continuous cycling in adults with chronic nonspecific low back pain?
Summary
In adults with chronic low back pain, supervised cycling HIIT for 12 weeks had very high adherence and similar enjoyment to moderate continuous cycling. Pain and disability improved within both groups, but the small feasibility trial did not show between-group differences.
Methodology
- Adults with nonspecific chronic low back pain
- 30 participants.
- Cycle ergometer.
- Work intervals: 60 s above 90% heart-rate reserve.
- Recovery: 60 s at 30-39% heart-rate reserve.
- Intensity: >90% HRR work intervals.
- 30 min.
- 3 sessions/week.
- 12 weeks.
- Single-blinded randomized parallel-group feasibility trial
- Adherence, Pain, Disability, and Safety were tracked.
Outcomes
Adherence
Adherence was high and similar between HIIT and MICT.
Median ITT adherence 0.94 versus 0.96; difference -0.01, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.06, p=0.76.
Pain
Pain decreased within both groups, with no between-group difference.
Between-group median difference 0.05, 95% CI -1 to 2, p about 0.94.
Disability
Disability decreased within both groups, with no between-group difference.
ODI between-group difference 1.78, 95% CI -6.44 to 9.56, p=0.64.
Safety
No serious adverse events occurred and event counts were similar.
HIIT 8 reports; MICT 9 reports.
Insights
- A 10 x 1-min cycling HIIT structure was feasible in screened chronic low back pain participants.
- Adherence can be high when sessions are supervised and scheduled.
- Recovery heart-rate targets may be hard to hit during short rests.
Limitations
- Small feasibility trial
- Not powered for efficacy
- Clinical supervision limits app translation
- Outcome assessor and care provider were not blinded
Safety
- No serious adverse events
- No adverse event required session stoppage or modification
- Dropouts were unrelated to training