High-intensity Interval Training Low-volume Vs Moderate-intensity Continuous Aerobic Training On Insulin Resistance In Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Moderate-intensity continuous aerobic training (MICAT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) interventions improve insulin resistance (IR) and glycemic control in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). Moreover, skeletal muscle mass negatively correlates with IR. However, there are contradictory results about the superiority of any of these interventions on the control of the glucose metabolism in MS. PURPOSE: to compare the efficacy of a HIIT-low volume protocol vs MICAT on the Homeostatic assessment model, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and skeletal muscle mass, in adults with MS. METHODS: controlled, randomized, clinical trial using the minimization method, with two parallel groups for the purpose of showing superiority. Sixty patients with MS, of both genders, 40-60 years old, were included. A clinical evaluation, biochemical tests, an ergospirometry and a dual-energy X ray absorptiometry to determine total and regional skeletal muscle mass were carried out before and after a treadmill exercise program of 12 weeks, 3 sessions/week. Participants were assigned to an intervention with HIIT-low volume (n=29) in 22 min sessions that included six intervals at a load of 90% of maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) for 1 min followed by 2 min at 50% of VO2max. The control group received MICAT (n=31) at an intensity of 60% of VO2max in sessions of 36 min. RESULTS: patients had a mean age of 50.8±6.0 years, body mass index of 30.6±4.0 kg.m-2, body fat percentage of 38.7±7.0% and VO2max of 29.0±6.3 mL O2.kg-1.min-1; 70% were women. Compared to MICAT, HIIT-low volume was not superior in reducing Ln of IR (marginal mean difference: 0.083 [95% CI -0.092―0.257]; Cohen's d: 0.249; p value=0.346) or increasing Ln of total lean mass (kg) (0.004 [-0.014―0.023]; Cohen's d: 0.120; p=0.637) and Ln of thigh lean mass (g) (0.008 [-0,020―0.038]; Cohen's d: 0.154; p=0.599). After the intervention, the HIIT-low volume group, compared to the MICAT, had a higher HbA1c (5.81% vs 5.69%; 0.119 [0.005―0.233]; Cohen's d: 0.554; p=0.040). When comparing before and after the intervention, both training groups decreased IR. CONCLUSION: HIIT-low volume, compared to MICAT, is not superior in reducing IR or increasing skeletal muscle mass in adults with MS. Colciencias 111562638757; Interinstitucional 2016-13041; Doctoral scholarships 727-2015