High Intensity Interval Training in the Treatment of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (UPPA-FH)

"The HIIT protocol will involve 3 training sessions per week for 18 weeks (a total of 74 sessions lasting 36 minutes). The program will be divided into two phases: phase 1 (adaptation to HIIT training: during the first 4 weeks, the intensity will be progressively increased to ensure the safety and progressive physical conditioning of the patients.~The high-intensity intervals will follow the Norwegian 4 x 4-minute HIIT model: 4 bouts of 4 minutes of high intensity corresponding to a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) 15 to 18 on the Borg 6 to 20 Scale33 and an 85-95%HRmax, interspersed with 3-minute active recovery intervals (RPE of 11 to 13 and 54-69%HRmax). This protocol has been widely applied and is safe in general and in clinical populations. Additionally, this protocol includes the training parameters recently proposed in a recent meta-analysis to maximize the training effects of HIIT on cardiorespiratory fitness (primary outcome)."

"The MICT protocol will involve 3 training sessions per week for 18 weeks (a total of 74 sessions lasting 44 minutes). The workout will be performed at RPE 11 to 13 (54-69%HRmax) to provide an isoenergetic workload (same energy expenditure) as the HIIT group.~Each session will include 3 parts: warm-up (5 min), main MICT workout (34 min), and a cool-down (5 min). Warm-up will include mobility, core, and aerobic exercise involving major muscle groups. The main workout (MICT) will include exercises involving major muscle groups using the same materials and rationale as commented on in the HIIT group. The cool-down phase will include aerobic exercise at a lower intensity, stretching, and relaxation exercises (RPE\<11). The highest and average HR and RPE for each session will be registered."