Aerobic Interval vs Continuous Training on Heart Rate-Power Decoupling in Ischemic Heart Disease

This study is a randomized, parallel-group clinical trial with assessor and statistical analyst blinding, conducted at a single center. Participants with stable ischemic heart disease enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program will be randomly allocated to one of two aerobic exercise interventions: long extensive continuous aerobic training (zone 2) or long extensive aerobic interval training (zone 3). Both groups will participate in supervised exercise sessions twice weekly for a period of 8 weeks, integrated into the standard cardiac rehabilitation program.

Assessments will be performed at baseline, immediately after the intervention period (8 weeks), and after a 4-week follow-up period without supervised training to evaluate potential detraining effects. The primary outcome is heart rate-power decoupling during a prolonged submaximal cycling exercise test, used as an indicator of cardiovascular efficiency. Secondary outcomes include heart rate response during submaximal exercise, exercise tolerance, heart rate recovery, blood pressure, functional capacity, quality of life, and adherence to the training program.

The objective of this study is to compare the effects of long extensive aerobic interval training versus long extensive continuous training on heart rate-power decoupling and related cardiovascular and functional outcomes in patients with ischemic heart disease undergoing cardiac rehabilitation.