# Supramaximal high-intensity interval training for older adults in a community setting: a pragmatic feasibility study

PMID: 40721737
Journal: European review of aging and physical activity : official journal of the European Group for Research into Elderly and Physical Activity
Published: 2025 Jul 28
Authors: Frykholm E, Pettersson B, Hedlund M, Wiklund M, Johansson B, Boraxbekk CJ, Rosendahl E, Lindelöf N

## Question

Can a previously researched supramaximal cycling HIT program be feasibly implemented for older adults in a community training facility?

## Summary

A 3-month community feasibility study adapted supramaximal cycling intervals for older adults. Attendance was high among completers and participants often found the format engaging, but the 6-second watt-based intervals were complex to manage. Four of 21 participants reported adverse events, none serious.

## Population

- Twenty-one medically screened older adults in a Swedish community facility.
- Sample size: 21
- Age: 65-78 years; median 70
- Sex: 14 women, 7 men
- Fitness level: Not in structured vigorous training; many had previous exercise experience
- Health status: Screened older adults, median BMI 28.7

## Methodology

- Single-arm pragmatic mixed-methods feasibility study
- 25 sessions over 3 months
- Community training facility in Sweden

## Protocol

- Community supramaximal cycling HIT.
- Modality: Indoor cycling.
- Work intervals: 6 seconds.
- Recovery: 54 seconds.
- Sets or repetitions: 10 intervals.
- Intensity: Individual watts based on 60% of estimated maximum mean 6-second power.
- Session duration: 20 minutes.
- Frequency: 2 sessions/week.
- Program length: 3 months; 25 sessions.
- Progression: Increase or decrease watts after sessions based on cadence, RPE, perceived spare capacity, and participant wish.

## Outcomes

### Attendance
Status: improved
Completers attended most sessions.

Median 88%, range 40-100%.

### Fitness estimates
Status: improved
Completers showed positive median changes in 6-second power and VO2max, with individual variation.

Power +42 W (+13%); VO2max +0.6 ml/kg/min (+2.5%).

### Feasibility
Status: mixed
Participants found the program engaging, but short intervals and watt management were complex.

Qualitative/descriptive.

### Safety
Status: mixed
Four participants reported adverse events; none were serious.

13 events total; musculoskeletal n=8, equipment n=5, cardiorespiratory n=3, disease n=1.

## Practical Insights

- Older-adult supramaximal intervals may need app/timer support or programmable bikes to reduce complexity.
- Medical screening, instructor support, and clear progression rules were important confidence and safety features.

## Limitations

- Single-arm feasibility study.
- Small volunteer sample.
- Prespecified sample size not reached.
- No formal effectiveness testing.

## Safety And Adherence

- Four of 21 participants reported adverse events; 13 events total and none serious.
- Reported issues included musculoskeletal events, equipment-related discomfort, cardiorespiratory symptoms including chest discomfort that was medically investigated without treatment, and increased symptoms from inflammatory disease.

## Original Sources

- [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40721737/) (pubmed)
- [DOI](https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-025-00379-6) (doi)
- [PMC full text](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12302583/) (full text)

## Agent Guidance

Preserve the paper-level scope of this note. Do not generalize beyond the population, protocol, measured outcomes, and limitations above.