From the Guidelines
Individuals with pre-existing health conditions should approach REHIT with caution and medical clearance, prioritizing comprehensive medical screening and customized exercise plans to minimize risks and maximize benefits. REHIT offers potential benefits including improved cardiovascular fitness, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and time efficiency with sessions typically lasting only 10 minutes with 1-2 brief 10-20 second all-out sprints. For those with conditions like controlled type 2 diabetes or mild hypertension, REHIT may help manage blood glucose levels and potentially reduce blood pressure 1. However, significant risks exist for those with cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or respiratory conditions, as the intense bursts of activity can trigger cardiac events, dangerous blood pressure spikes, or respiratory distress. Musculoskeletal conditions may worsen with the high-force movements.
Before starting REHIT, individuals should undergo comprehensive medical screening including stress tests, obtain clearance from their healthcare provider, start with modified versions with shorter sprint durations (5-10 seconds), and monitor symptoms closely 1. The physiological stress of REHIT triggers beneficial adaptations in healthy individuals but can overwhelm compromised systems in those with certain conditions, making proper medical guidance essential. Key considerations for healthcare professionals include:
- Assessing cardiovascular risk factors and being aware of the atypical presentation of coronary artery disease
- Evaluating conditions that might contraindicate certain types of exercise or predispose to injury, such as uncontrolled hypertension, untreated proliferative retinopathy, autonomic neuropathy, orthostatic hypotension, peripheral neuropathy, balance impairment, and a history of foot ulcers or Charcot foot
- Customizing the exercise plan based on age, previous physical activity level, and individual needs 1.
From the Research
Benefits of Physical Activity for Individuals with Pre-existing Health Conditions
- Regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases, including heart problems, high blood pressure, breathing problems, type 2 diabetes, and obesity 2.
- Physical exercise is effective in improving lipid profiles, reducing waist circumference, reducing blood pressure, and lowering blood glucose levels, which can help prevent and manage hyperlipidemia, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes 3.
- Increasing physical activity has extensive benefits for patients with mildly or moderately elevated blood pressure and cholesterol, and is recommended as a first-line treatment for these conditions 4.
- Physical activity is also associated with a reduced risk of mortality among aged hypertensive patients, and can help reduce systolic blood pressure and improve health-related quality of life 5, 6.
Risks of Physical Activity for Individuals with Pre-existing Health Conditions
- There is limited research available on the specific risks of physical activity for individuals with pre-existing health conditions, particularly in relation to the Rehit exercise regimen.
- However, it is generally recommended that individuals with pre-existing health conditions consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, including Rehit, to discuss potential risks and benefits and determine the best course of action 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Considerations for Individuals with Pre-existing Health Conditions
- Individuals with pre-existing health conditions should consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, including Rehit, to discuss potential risks and benefits and determine the best course of action.
- It is also important for individuals with pre-existing health conditions to listen to their bodies and not push themselves too hard, as overexertion can exacerbate existing health conditions.
- Regular physical activity, including Rehit, should be combined with other healthy lifestyle habits, such as a balanced diet and stress management, to maximize benefits and minimize risks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.