Abstract 17740: Effects of High Intensity Interval Training on Blood Pressure and Endothelial Function in Prehypertensive and Hypertensive Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Recently, several studies have shown that high-intensity interval training (HIT) is superior to continuous moderate-intensity exercise (CME) for improvement on endothelial in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about its effects on changes in blood pressure, especially in hypertensive patients. Hypothesis: To compare the effects of HIT and CME on changes in blood pressure reduction and endothelial function in pre- and hypertensive patients.. Methods: Seventeen pre- and hypertensive patients, aged 52.1±7.6, participated in this study, tapered off their medications, if necessary, and were randomized to either HIT (n=9) or CME (n=8) group. HIT was composed of 5 sets of 3 min exercise at 80% HRR, and each interval was separated by 3 min recovery at 40% HRR. CME was composed of 35 min exercise at 60% HRR. Both groups were designed to use same energy expenditure, and performed exercise 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Endothelial function was determined by assessing endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) using flow cytometry and flow mediated dilation (FMD) using ultrasonography. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured at rest and during exercise at 60% HRR by using automatic blood pressure monitor Results: : SBP at rest were significantly decreased in both groups, but these changes were not different between groups. DBP at rest and during exercise was significantly decreased in HIT, but not in CME. However, SBP during exercise was significantly decreased in CME, but not in HIT. EPCs and FMD were significantly increased in HIT, but not in CME. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that HIT and CME equally have beneficial effects on blood pressure reduction in pre- and hypertensive patients. However, HIT may improve endothelial function better than CME. Therefore, HIT can be an effective rehabilitation programs for hypertensive patients.