Sprint Interval versus Moderate Intensity Training and Effects on Framingham Risk Score in Prediabetic Women

Abstract

The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) was developed to determine the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the next 10 years. Run-Sprint Interval Training (RSIT) has shown improvements in various health and blood markers while reducing exercise time. To date there has not been a study that examines the effects of R-SIT and Moderate Intensity Training (MIT) on FRS of prediabetic women. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of 16-weeks of RSIT and MIT training on FRS of sedentary prediabetic women. METHODS: Participants were randomized into RSIT (n=6) or MIT (n=9) groups and required to attend 3 weekly training sessions and 1 weekly Diabetes Prevention Program session for 16-weeks. During the first 4 weeks, RSIT performed 4x30s maximal sprints on a treadmill at a self-selected speed and incline, followed by a 4-min active recovery between intervals. Intervals increased by 2 every 4 weeks. MIT walked continuously at 45-55% Heart Rate Reserve for 30-mins during the first 4 weeks, and increased by 10-mins every 4 weeks. FRS markers were measured at baseline, mid, and post intervention. RESULTS: There were no significant changes within groups for FRS, SBP, HDL-C, and TC. At baseline significant differences were observed in FRS (RSIT 2.39 +0.97, MIT 6.41+0.75%) and Vascular Age (VA) (RSIT 43.33+5.95, MIT 59.33+3.06 yr). At 16-weeks there were significant differences between groups (RSIT, MIT respectively) in TC (167.12+8.14, 218.91+18.37 mg/dL), triglycerides (TGs) (101.33+10.38, 152.56+14.30 mg/dL), VLDL-C (18.67+2.02, 30.55+2.83 mg/dL), FRS (2.73+0.65, 6.74+0.96%), and VA (39.50+11.18, 60.55+3.79 yr), with RSIT significantly decreasing TGs from mid to post (124.67+13.39, 101.33+10.38 mg/dL, respectively). When evaluating change scores, there were significant differences between groups for LDL-C (RSIT −8.81+6.98, MIT 10.88+6.0 mg/dL) and a trend for VA (RSIT −3.83+1.93, MIT 1.38+1.68 yr, p=0.063). CONCLUSION: There were no significant within group changes in FRS during a 16-week intervention, however, following the intervention, RSIT had better FRS, TC, VLDL-C and TG when compared to MIT. Additionally, RSIT demonstrated greater change in LDL-C and VA. Further research is needed to determine if RSIT or MIT will improve FRS.