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News
A 16-week, remotely supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness in children and adolescents with postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PIBO) — a rare, chronic lung condition. Compared to standard care, HIIT participants showed meaningful gains in peak oxygen uptake and functional capacity. The findings suggest HIIT could be a practical, effective therapeutic tool for this underserved patient group.
A new randomized trial published in the European Respiratory Journal found that a remotely supervised, home-based HIIT program significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness in young patients with postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PIBO) — a rare, progressive lung disease that often follows severe respiratory infections in childhood. Over 16 weeks, participants completed two 40–45 minute HIIT sessions per week from home, with real-time supervision and continuous heart rate monitoring.
Compared to peers who received standard physical activity advice, the HIIT group showed notably better results in peak oxygen uptake and time to the first ventilatory threshold — key markers of cardiorespiratory health. Functional capacity, measured by the 30-second sit-to-stand test, also improved. No significant differences were found between the two groups in lung function, muscle strength, body composition, quality of life, or dyspnea.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: PIBO is a rare and often debilitating condition with limited therapeutic options. This study demonstrates that a structured, remotely delivered exercise program is both feasible and effective — offering a scalable, low-barrier intervention for a population that has historically had few evidence-based tools to improve their physical health.
