Comparative analysis of adherence to aerobic physical rehabilitation protocols among strength athletes

Abstract

High-intensity interval and medium-intensity cyclic exercises have proved themselves as non-pharmacological agents for the treatment and prevention of hypertension.Aim. To compare adherence to aerobic physical rehabilitation methods among hypertensive heavyweight-class strength athletes.Material and methods. We surveyed 83 heavyweight-class bodybuilders (candidates for master of sports and master of sports). The mean age of participants was 31 years. Athletes were randomized into two main rehabilitation groups: the HIIT group (n=33), the MICE group (n=30), and the RT control group (n=20). A modified questionnaire on adherence to physical activity was used for hypertensive strength athletes. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistica 10.0/W RUS software package.Results. At the beginning, adherence of control group participants was “moderate” and amounted to 7,8±0,8 points, while after 30 days it increased insignificantly to 8,2±0,5 points, after another 60 days decreased by 0,3 points and the next 4 month did not change. After 30 days, there was an increase in adherence to aerobic exercise in other rehabilitation groups: 8,4±0,5 and 8,2±0,6 points in the HIIT and MICE groups, respectively. After 60 days, the changes were not statistically significant. After 90 days, adherence in the HIIT group was 8,5±0,5 points, while in the MICE group it significantly decreased to 7,5±0,6 points. After 120 days, there was no change in the HIIT group, while in the MICE group, adherence continued to decrease to 7,1±0,6 points. After 150 days, there was a 0,5 point decrease in the HIIT group and 6,7±0,5 points in the MICE group. After 180 days, there was an insignificant decrease in the HIIT group by 0,2 points, while in the MICE group, adherence became “low” and amounted to 6,2±0,4 points.Conclusion. Exercise programs based on HIIT protocols allow hypertensive strength athletes to maintain greater adherence to nonspecific aerobic exercise over 180 days compared to MICE protocols, which may provide additional benefits in lowering blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular disease.