High-intensity intermittent exercise and cardiovascular and autonomic function

Abstract

The effect of 12weeks of high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) on cardiac, vascular, and autonomic function of young males was examined. Thirty-eight young men with a BMI of 28.7±3.1kgm(-2) and age 24.9±4.3years were randomly assigned to either an HIIE or control group. The exercise group underwent HIIE three times per week, 20min per session, for 12weeks. Aerobic power and a range of cardiac, vascular, and autonomic measures were recorded before and after the exercise intervention. The exercise, compared to the control group, recorded a significant reduction in heart rate accompanied by an increase in stroke volume. For the exercise group forearm vasodilatory capacity was significantly enhanced, P<0.05. Arterial stiffness, determined by pulse wave velocity and augmentation index, was also significantly improved, after the 12-week intervention. For the exercise group, heart period variability (low- and high-frequency power) and baroreceptor sensitivity were significantly increased. High-intensity intermittent exercise induced significant cardiac, vascular, and autonomic improvements after 12weeks of training.