The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Fatigue Severity in Individuals with Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Journal
- American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation (Q1)
- Published
- 20 July 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review / meta-analysis of RCTs
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1a)
- Authors
- Chen Xu, Yifeng Wang, Jiaxin Jiang, Yawen Chen, Ada Tang, Shirley P C Ngai, et al.
- PMID
- 42475642
- DOI
- 10.1097/PHM.0000000000003087
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Internal Medicine (top studies of the week, 26 July 2026).
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the effects of high-intensity interval training on fatigue severity in individuals with chronic diseases. DESIGN: A literature search was conducted across seven databases. Randomized controlled trials comparing changes in fatigue severity, measured using validated fatigue scales, between high-intensity interval training and no exercise or moderate-intensity continuous training in individuals with chronic diseases were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale, and certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE framework. RESULTS: Seventeen trials involving 717 participants were included. Compared with no exercise, high-intensity interval training was associated with a small reduction in fatigue severity (standardized mean difference =-0.31, 95% confidence interval -0.61 to -0.01; I²=54%; N=10 studies; n=468 participants; very low certainty of evidence). Compared with moderate-intensity continuous training, the pooled difference in fatigue severity was less than small (standardized mean difference =-0.09, 95% confidence interval -0.37 to 0.19; N=8; n=315). CONCLUSION: High-intensity interval training may represent a potential exercise strategy for fatigue management in individuals with chronic diseases. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to further evaluate its effects on fatigue severity in these populations.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.