High-intensity Aerobic Interval Training Research Articles

Large Inter-individual Differences in Responses to a Block of High Intensity Aerobic Interval Training: a Case Series in National-level Cyclists and Triathletes

Large Inter-individual Differences in Responses to a Block of High Intensity Aerobic Interval Training: a Case Series in National-level Cyclists and Triathletes

P633Comparative analysis of exercise programmes with aerobic moderate and high-intensity interval training in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract Background High-intensity interval training is emerging as a potential time efficient strategy in contemporary cardiac rehabilitation. According to current guidelines 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week is reduced by half to 75 minutes if the week's activity is done at a vigorous intensity. Objective: The main goal of our study was to assess and compare high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) within cardiac rehabilitation after coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods Sixty three patients (48 male, 15 female, at the mean age of 57±12 years) after coronary artery bypass grafting were recruited into exercise training program on cycle ergometer. The training course started 2 weeks after surgery, lasted 4 weeks and then continued in an outpatient care after 3–6 months. MICT was considered as 50% to 75% of VO2 max (maximal oxygen consumption) or 50–75% of heart rate reserve, while HIIT was considered as ≥85% of VO2 max or ≥85% of heart rate reserve. Training protocols included constant load and ramp interval programs. Control group comprised 40 patients without exercise training program. The safety of HIIT/MICT was the primary end point in our study. Secondary end-points included body mass index, echo and hemodynamic parameters, NT-proBNP and HbA1c levels along with standard cardiorespiratory fitness indicators. Results Significant increase in anaerobic threshold (by 16.9%), VO2 max (by 18.6%) and tolerance of physical load in MET (by 6.4%) were mentioned in study groups compared to equivalent measurements in control group (9.7%, 7.9% and 5.4% correspondingly). Substantial changes were also observed in following variables compared to control group: body mass index reduced (p=0.0032), end diastolic diameter decreased (p=0.0315), LV ejection fraction improved (p=0.045), NT-proBNP reduced (p=0.0015) and HbA1c improved (p=0.023). While analyzing aerobic capacity alterations due to HIIT versus MICT by standardized mean difference (95% CI), HIIT was significantly superior to MICT. Aerobic capacity covered VO2 max (ml/kg/min), anaerobic threshold (%), work rate (Wt) and EQo2=VE/Vo2. Conclusions High-intensity interval training proved to be as safe as a moderate-intensity training in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting. It appeared to be significantly superior to moderate-intensity continuous training in improving cardiorespiratory fitness. Obtained results allow implementing aerobic interval training individually after open-heart surgery and shorten rehabilitation period.

The Effect of High Intensity Interval Training Versus Steady State Aerobic Training on Skin Microvascular Reactivity in Moderately Active Young Adults: A Pilot Study

A sedentary lifestyle is associated with endothelial dysfunction, leading to vascular pathology and impaired microvascular reactivity (MVR). Enhanced endothelial functioning has been seen in aerobically trained individuals. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a differential training response of skin MVR in response to high intensity aerobic interval training (HIAIT) as compared to steady state aerobic training (SSAT). The study involved 16 moderately active male students (age: 20.93 ± 5.05 yrs). They were randomly assigned to one of three groups; HIAIT, SSAT, and control group (CG). Baseline testing was performed to determine the VO2max, lactate threshold, blood pressure, body composition and a post-occlusive reactive hyperemia response (PORH) test was used to assess microvascular reactivity on the right palmer forearm using a moorVMS-Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF) These parameters were reassessed after three weeks (mid-point) and six-weeks (post intervention) weeks. Statistical significance was set at p≤0.05. There were no significant interactions between the variables measured in the three groups over time. There was a positive linear relationship in the SSAT group for PORHmax/time to peak (Tp) at baseline (r = 0.998, p = 0.039), midpoint (r = 0.992, p = 0.083), and the post intervention (r = 0.987, p = 0.103). Training in the SSAT group had improved PORHpeak at midpoint and post intervention time points (r = 0.999, p = 0.22; r = 1, p = 0.006; r = 1, p = 0.011). Training in either the HIAIT or the SSAT group had no significant effect on skin MVR in moderately active young adults. SSAT did display a positive linear relationship with PORHmax/Tp, and PORHpeak, which are variables influencing skin MVR.

A 11‐day compressed overload and taper induces larger physiological improvements than a normal taper in elite cyclists

Endurance athletes usually achieve performance peaking with 2-4weeks of overload training followed by 1-3weeks of tapering. With a tight competition schedule, this may not be appropriate. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of a compressed variant of the recommended overload and tapering approach (EXP; n=9, VO2peak =77±5mL·min-1 ·kg-1 ) with a 11-day traditional taper that maintained the usual frequency of high-intensity aerobic interval training (HIT) and reduced the duration of training at lower exercise intensity (TRAD, n=8, VO2peak =74±4mL·min-1 ·kg-1 ) on physiological and psychological variables of endurance performance. EXP performed a 6-day period with daily HIT followed by a 5-day step taper. Testing was performed before the intervention (pre), on the 7th (post-1), and on the 11th day of the intervention (post-2). From pre to post-2, EXP achieved a larger relative improvement than TRAD in VO2peak (4.0±3.7% vs 0.8±1.8%, respectively, P=.041) and the 1-min peak power output from the VO2peak test (5.0±3.6% vs 0.9±1.5%, respectively, P=.009) and had a tendency toward larger improvement in power output at a blood lactate concentration of 4mmol∙L-1 (P=.088) and peak isokinetic knee extension (P=.06). The effect size of the relative improvement in the endurance variables revealed a moderate-to-large effect of EXP vs TRAD. In conclusion, this study indicates that elite cyclists performing the present 11-day compressed performance peaking protocol consisting of a 6-day HIT overload followed by a 5-day step taper are superior to a 11-day taper only.

Research progress of exercise therapy on type 1 diabetes mellitus

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is mostly an autoimmune disease. The combined effects of genetic and environmental factors lead to progressive islet beta cell functional failure and lifelong dependence on exogenous insulin therapy. Numerous studies have shown that regular physical exercise may reduce the daily insulin dose in patients with T1DM and patients need to be clear how to safely increase their physical activity, and incorporate more independent physical activity into daily life. At the same time, they should master the contraindications in order to avoid the risks of movement. Currently a recommendation for all T1DM patients is engaging in at least 150 min/week of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise, sustainability or high-intensity interval training, combined with resistance training such as resistance machines and bands, as well as other stretching and balance exercises such as yoga, tai chi, for 3 to 7 times per week, which is depended on the physical condition of patients and the exercise intensity, besides resistance training can be performed on nonconsecutive days. Key words: Diabetes mellitus, type 1; Insulin; Exercise prescription; Exercise therapy

2266-PUB: Effects of Combined Exercise Protocols on Glucose Variability in Patients with Autoimmune Diabetes on CSII Therapy

Physical exercise may profoundly affect glucose variability (GV) in insulinopenic diabetes leading to both hypo- and hyperglycemia and feeling of discomfort reported by the patients after work out. Even if combined training reportedly reduces GV, an ideal training protocol is still not established in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different combinations of continuous aerobic exercise (CON) and high intensity interval training (HIIT) on GV during a 24-h period after work out. A cross-over study was conducted on 14 outpatients [male 50%, mean age 31.9 (8.1) y, BMI 22.1 (2.5) Kg/m2] with either T1D (n=10) or LADA (n=4) on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy [4 (3.9) y]. Data from flash glucose monitoring were collected for 72 h before work out. After different sequences of HIIT and CON work out (HIIT followed by CON, HIIT-CON; and CON followed by HIIT, CON-HIIT), 24-h glucose profiles were acquired. Several indices of GV and predictors of hypo-/hyperglycemia were analyzed. Indices of GV revealed no statistically significant difference when compared to baseline GV [mean -0.38 (1.85) vs. -0.43 (1.66); SD 0.02 (1.06) vs. -0.04 (0.94); CONGA: -0.18 (1.63) vs. -0.36 (1.69); MAG -0.12 (0.44) vs. -0.21 (0.47); MAGE 0.73 (1.65) vs. 1.11 (0.84); LBGI: 1.28 (6.83) vs. 1.71 (5.43); HBGI -0.18 (5.34) vs. -1.03 (4.89); HIIT-CON delta vs. baseline and CON-HIIT delta vs. baseline, respectively]. Moreover, time spent in <70 mg/dl and in >180 mg/dl 24 h after either HIIT-CON or CON-HIIT training was comparable to baseline [for <70 mg/dL: baseline 10.4% (11.6), HIIT-CON 13.3% (13.9), CON-HIIT 12.4% (10.2); for >180 mg/dl: baseline 27.2% (22.7), HIIT-CON 22.6% (21.1), CON-HIIT 22.2% (16.8)]. The comparison between HIIT-CON and CON-HIIT also showed no differences in GV. Thus, a standardized combined work out (either HIIT-CON or CON-HIIT) avoids late glycemic fluctuations and dangerous hypo-/hyperglycemia in T1D and LADA patients on CSII therapy. Disclosure A. Cignarelli: Consultant; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novo Nordisk A/S. G. Lisco: None. L. Di Gioia: None. A. Natalicchio: Other Relationship; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi-Aventis. S. Perrini: None. L. Laviola: Advisory Panel; Self; Abbott, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Lilly Diabetes, Novo Nordisk Inc. Board Member; Self; AstraZeneca, Roche Diabetes Care, Sanofi-Aventis. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Medtronic, Mundipharma, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. F. Giorgino: Advisory Panel; Self; Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Eli Lilly and Company, MedImmune, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novo Nordisk A/S, Roche Diabetes Care, Sanofi. Consultant; Self; Roche Diabetes Care, Sanofi. Research Support; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, LifeScan, Inc., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Other Relationship; Self; AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Company, Sanofi.

Aerobic interval training improves maximal oxygen uptake and reduces body fat in grapplers.

Despite regularly engaging in high-intensity grappling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) athletes have a moderate maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of high-intensity aerobic interval training as an accessory to BJJ training for improvements in V̇O2max. Twelve active male BJJ practitioners (age: 30.3±4.0 [SD] years; height: 183.0±5.3 cm; body mass: 82.7±8.3 kg; body fat: 11.9±3.8%) with 5.6±5.8 years of experience and a training volume of 9.9±4.6 hours·week-1 were randomly allocated to either a training group (TG) or control group (CG). The TG incorporated two high-intensity aerobic interval training sessions·week-1 comprising four 4-minute intervals at 85-95% of maximal heart rate (HRmax) separated by 3-minute active breaks at 70% of HRmax. After six weeks, the TG increased their V̇O2max by 8±3% (95% CI=3.84, 12.73; P=0.04; ES=0.64), from 52.7 to 56.8 mL·kg-1·min-1. This was accompanied by a 1±1% reduction in absolute body fat (95% CI=-0.13, -2.2; P=0.04; ES=0.64). No changes in V̇O2max (P=0.12) or body composition (P=0.34) were detected in the CG. These findings reveal compelling short-term effects of low-volume high-intensity aerobic interval training on V̇O2max and body composition in active BJJ athletes. There may be a ceiling effect in terms of developing V̇O2max in supine, intermittent grappling sports, making alternative approaches to aerobic conditioning particularly relevant for this athlete population.

Effect of Concurrent Power Training and High-Intensity Interval Cycling on Muscle Morphology and Performance.

Spiliopoulou, P, Zaras, N, Methenitis, S, Papadimas, G, Papadopoulos, C, Bogdanis, GC, and Terzis, G. Effect of concurrent power training and high-intensity interval cycling on muscle morphology and performance. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2464-2471, 2021-The aim of the study was to examine the effect of performing high-intensity interval cycling on muscle morphology and performance immediately after power training (PT). Twenty healthy female physical education students were assigned into 2 training groups. One group performed PT, and the other group performed the same PT followed by high-intensity interval aerobic training on a cycle ergometer (PTC). Training was performed 3 days per week for 6 weeks. Countermovement jump (CMJ) height and CMJ power, half-squat maximal strength (1 repetition maximum), maximum aerobic power, vastus lateralis muscle fiber composition, and cross-sectional area (CSA) were evaluated before and after the intervention. Countermovement jump height increased after PT (10.1 ± 6.6%, p = 0.002) but not after PTC (-5.1 ± 10.5%, p = 0.099), with significant difference between groups (p = 0.001). Countermovement jump power increased after PT (4.5 ± 4.9%, p = 0.021) but not after PTC (-2.4 ± 6.4, p = 0.278), with significant difference between groups (p = 0.017). One repetition maximum increased similarly in both groups. Muscle fiber composition was not altered after either PT or PTC. Vastus lateralis muscle fiber CSA increased significantly and similarly after both PT (I: 16.9 ± 16.2%, p = 0.035, ΙΙΑ: 12.7 ± 10.9%, p = 0.008,ΙΙΧ: 15.5 ± 17.1%, p = 0.021) and PTC (Ι: 18.0 ± 23.7%, p = 0.033,ΙΙΑ: 18.2 ± 11.4%, p = 0.001,ΙΙΧ: 25.5 ± 19.6%, p = 0.003). These results suggest that the addition of high-intensity interval cycling to PT inhibits the anticipated increase in jumping performance induced by PT per se. This inhibition is not explained by changes in muscle fiber type composition or vastus lateralis muscle fiber CSA adaptations.

Two-year follow-up of the OptiTrain randomised controlled exercise trial

PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine if there were any differences in health-related outcomes and physical activity (PA) between the two OptiTrain exercise groups and usual care (UC), 2 years post-baseline.MethodsThe OptiTrain study was a three-arm randomised controlled trial comparing 16 weeks of concurrent aerobic high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and progressive resistance exercise (RT-HIIT) or concurrent HIIT and continuous moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (AT-HIIT) to UC in 206 patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Eligible participants were approached 2 years following baseline to assess cancer-related fatigue, quality of life, symptoms, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, body mass, PA, sedentary behaviour, and sick leave.ResultsThe RT-HIIT group reported lower total cancer-related fatigue, (− 1.37, 95% CI − 2.70, − 0.04, ES = − 0.06) and cognitive cancer-related fatigue (− 1.47, 95% CI − 2.75, − 0.18, ES = − 0.28), and had higher lower limb muscle strength (12.09, 95% CI 3.77, 20.40, ES = 0.52) than UC at 2 years. The AT-HIIT group reported lower total symptoms (− 0.23, 95% CI − 0.42, − 0.03, ES = − 0.15), symptom burden (− 0.30, 95% CI − 0.60, − 0.01, ES = − 0.19), and body mass − 2.15 (− 3.71, − 0.60, ES = − 0.28) than UC at 2 years.ConclusionAt 2 years, the exercise groups were generally experiencing positive differences in cancer-related fatigue (RT-HIIT), symptoms (AT-HIIT), and muscle strength (RT-HIIT) to UC. The findings provide novel evidence that being involved in an exercise program during chemotherapy can have long-term benefits for women with breast cancer, but that strategies are needed to create better pathways to support patients to maintain physical activity levels.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov registration number: NCT02522260. Trial registered on 9 June 2015. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02522260. Retrospectively registered.

Cardioprotective Effect of High-Intensity Aerobic Interval Training against Adriamycin-Induced Cardiac Toxicity in Rats

Cardioprotective Effect of High-Intensity Aerobic Interval Training against Adriamycin-Induced Cardiac Toxicity in Rats

The Effects of High-Intensity Aerobic Interval Training In The Elderly With Myocardial Infarction

The Effects of High-Intensity Aerobic Interval Training In The Elderly With Myocardial Infarction

PO-127 Research progresses of exercise intervention methods in non- alcoholic fatty liver disease

Objective This review summarizes the effects of aerobic exercise (AE), resistance exercise (RE), and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Discuss The main differences of intervention methods, intervention time, and intervention effects among the NAFLD people, To explore the targeting and dose-response relationship of different exercise models intervention in NAFLD. 
 Methods This paper uses the keywords such as Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, NAFLD, NASH, NAFLD and aerobic training, aerobic exercise, resistance training, resistance exercise, high-intensity interval training, high-intensity interval exercise, high-intensity aerobic exercise, HIAT, HIIT, HIT, etc to search in the web of science、Pubmed database, the deadline is March 1, 2018. Inclusion criteria: (1) study design: randomized controlled trials; (2) study questions: effects of exercise on hepatic steatosis in patients with NAFLD; (3) type of exercise: AE, RE, and HIIT; (4) subjects: biochemical examination liver biopsy or ultrasound examination includes a combination of abdominal imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging of the NAFLD population. Exclusion criteria: (1) non-original studies (2) meeting abstracts (3) did not provide sufficient experimental data (4) animal experiments (5) non-English literature. The search results showed that a total of 16 studies reported the effects of exercise on NAFLD populations. 
 Results (1) AE, RE and HIIT can reduce hepatic steatosis and improve liver histology in NAFLD people, but their intervention effects are different. AE stands out in reduce body weight,decreases insulin resistance (IR); RE stands out in reduce hepatic fat and increases muscle strength; HIIT has a significant effect in reducing hepatic fat and enhancing cardiovascular fitness. (2) the frequency, duration, and intervention period of AE and RE are similar; achieve the same or better intervention effect, HIIT only requires the 1/3 exercise time of the previous two.
 Conclusions RE may be more effective than AE in patients with poor cardiovascular fitness, sarcopenia, and NAFLD who are unable to tolerate or participate in AE; HIIT has certain advantages in the time-effect and dose-effect due to less exercise time and smaller amount of exercise, This is easy for the NAFLD people to accept, and it will facilitate long-term adherence in the future.

Acute effect of three different exercise training modalities on executive function in overweight inactive men: A secondary analysis of the BrainFit study

There is currently a consensus about the positive effects of physical exercise on cognition. However, the exercise intensity-dependent effect on executive function remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of high-intensity aerobic interval training (HIIT), progressive resistance training (PRT), or combined training (PRT + HIIT) on executive function indicators in overweight inactive adult men (aged 18–30 years old). The participants were screened and excluded for medical conditions known to impact cognitive functioning, which was measured with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) screening cognitive test. A randomised, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted among 36 adults who were randomly assigned to a HIIT (n = 12), PRT (n = 7), PRT + HIIT (n = 7), or control group (n = 10) until the energy expenditure of 400–500 kcal. Cognitive inhibition and attention capacity were examined using the Stroop test and d2 test of attention, respectively, and were obtained pre-exercise for baseline measurement and 1 min post-exercise for each exercise training modality. Cognitive inhibition measured by the Stroop test was improved after the HIIT protocol for the domains of reading by +5.89 (η2 = 0.33), colour naming +9.0 (η2 = 0.60), interference +10.1 (η2 = 0.39), and index interference +6.0 (η2 = 0.20). Additionally, the PRT + HIIT group had an increase for the reading condition of +7.1 (η2 = 0.40), colour naming +7.5 (η2 = 0.80), and interference +5.8 (η2 = 0.39). In regard to attentional capacity, the HIIT group elicited small to medium improvements in the concentration level domain of +21.7 (η2 = 0.44), total performance domain +56.6 (η2 = 0.50), and consistency domain −3.0 (η2 = 0.27). These results were similar in the PRT and PRT + HIIT groups in the concentration level and items-processed domains (P < 0.05). In conclusion, acute HIIT and PRT + HIIT sessions reported important effect sizes than PRT alone for cognitive inhibition and attention capacity. Taken together, the results suggest that even short-term exercise interventions can enhance overweight adults' executive functions.

The effect and safety of aerobic interval training according to the intensity of exercise in acute coronary syndrome

High intensity aerobic interval training (HAIT) increases maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) more effectively than moderate-intensity continuous training (MCT) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). However, even within the same category of high intensity interval training protocols, higher intensity might be better for improving VO 2 max. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect for increasing VO 2 max and the safety of maximal-intensity aerobic interval training (MAIT) compared to HAIT. Patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention and attended cardiac rehabilitation within two weeks after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned to either a MAIT or a HAIT protocol three times a week for six weeks. The MAIT protocol was set up for four cycles of maximal-intensity (95–100% of HRR, four minutes/cycle) walking with three cycles of active pause with low intensity intervals walking alternatively for every session. In contrast, the HAIT protocol was composed of three cycles of high intensity (85% of HRR, eight minutes/cycle) walking training and two cycles of active pause with low intensity intervals walking alternatively for every session. The change of VO 2 max, rate pressure product, echocardiographic findings, body mass index, Borg's rate of perceived exertion scale were examined before and after training. After completion of six-week aerobic interval training, there were significant increase of VO 2peak in both groups. But the increment of VO 2peak in MAIT group was significantly greater than HAIT group ( P < 0.05). The percentage increases for the MAIT and HAIT were 31% and 17%, respectively. And a total of 670.5 exercise-hours during MAIT and HAIT, we found no major cardiovascular complication and musculoskeletal complication. The results of the current study indicate that six-week supervised MAIT is significantly more effective than HAIT in improving VO 2peak in ACS patients. Also it appeared safe after both MAIT and HAIT in a CR setting.

Effects of combined high-intensity aerobic interval training program and Mediterranean diet recommendations after myocardial infarction (INTERFARCT Project): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundExercise therapy has long been used for rehabilitation purposes after myocardial infarction (MI) and the benefit of regular physical exercise is also well-established. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been proposed to be more effective than continuous exercise for improving exercise capacity and health-related adaptations to low-volume (LV) and HIIT are also known. Furthermore, the Mediterranean diet (Mediet) has been widely reported to be a model of healthy eating for its contribution to a favorable health status and a better quality of life, reducing overall mortality. This study will investigate the effects of different HIIT programs (high-volume [HV] vs LV) and Mediet recommendations in clinical condition, cardiorespiratory fitness, biomarkers, ventricular function, and perception of quality of life after MI, and compared to an attention control group that is recommended to Mediet and physical activity without supervision sessions.Methods/DesignIn this randomized controlled trial, cardiorespiratory fitness, anthropometry, central and peripheral cardiovascular variables, biochemical and nutritional condition, and quality of life will be assessed before and after 16 weeks of intervention in 177 participants diagnosed with MI type 1. All participants will be randomly (1:1:1) assigned to the attention control group or two exercise groups (Mediet recommendations plus supervised aerobic exercise two days/week: (1) HV (40 min) HIIT group and (2) LV (20 min) HIIT group.DiscussionThis study will be the first clinical trial comparing the effects of two different volumes of HIIT programs with Mediet recommendations for people after MI. The results of this study will provide good evidence for physical rehabilitation in this population.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02876952. Registered on 24 August 2016.

Correction to: High-intensity aerobic interval training can lead to improvement in skeletal muscle power among in-hospital patients with advanced heart failure.

In the original publication of the article, the unit of hand in Fig.2 was wrongly given as "N/kg" instead of "kg".

Effects of Exercise Modality During Additional "High-Intensity Interval Training" on Aerobic Fitness and Strength in Powerlifting and Strongman Athletes.

Androulakis-Korakakis, P, Langdown, L, Lewis, A, Fisher, JP, Gentil, P, Paoli, A, and Steele, J. Effects of exercise modality during additional "high-intensity interval training" on aerobic fitness and strength in powerlifting and strongman athletes. J Strength Cond Res 32(2): 450-457, 2018-Powerlifters and strongman athletes have a necessity for optimal levels of muscular strength while maintaining sufficient aerobic capacity to perform and recover between events. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been popularized for its efficacy in improving both aerobic fitness and strength but never assessed within the aforementioned population group. This study looked to compare the effect of exercise modality, e.g., a traditional aerobic mode (AM) and strength mode (SM), during HIIT on aerobic fitness and strength. Sixteen well resistance-trained male participants, currently competing in powerlifting and strongman events, completed 8 weeks of approximately effort- and volume-matched HIIT in 2 groups: AM (cycling, n = 8) and SM (resistance training, n = 8). Aerobic fitness was measured as predicted V[Combining Dot Above]O2max using the YMCA 3 minutes step test and strength as predicted 1 repetition maximum from a 4-6RM test using a leg extension. Both groups showed significant improvements in both strength and aerobic fitness. There was a significant between-group difference for aerobic fitness improvements favoring the AM group (p ≤ 0.05). There was no between-group difference for change in strength. Magnitude of change using within-group effect size for aerobic fitness and strength was considered large for each group (aerobic fitness, AM = 2.6, SM = 2.0; strength, AM = 1.9, SM = 1.9). In conclusion, our results support enhanced strength and aerobic fitness irrespective of exercise modality (e.g., traditional aerobic and resistance training). However, powerlifters and strongman athletes wishing to enhance their aerobic fitness should consider HIIT using an aerobic HIIT mode.

Highly favorable physiological responses to concurrent resistance and high-intensity interval training during chemotherapy: the OptiTrain breast cancer trial

BackgroundAdvanced therapeutic strategies are often accompanied by significant adverse effects, which warrant equally progressive countermeasures. Physical exercise has proven an effective intervention to improve physical function and reduce fatigue in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in this population are not well established although HIIT has proven effective in other clinical populations. The aim of the OptiTrain trial was to examine the effects of concurrent resistance and high-intensity interval training (RT-HIIT) or concurrent moderate-intensity aerobic and high-intensity interval training (AT-HIIT), to usual care (UC) on pain sensitivity and physiological outcomes in patients with breast cancer during chemotherapy.MethodsTwo hundred and forty women were randomized to 16 weeks of RT-HIIT, AT-HIIT, or UC. Outcomes: cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, body mass, hemoglobin levels, and pressure-pain threshold.ResultsPre- to post-intervention, RT-HIIT (ES = 0.41) and AT-HIIT (ES = 0.42) prevented the reduced cardiorespiratory fitness found with UC. Handgrip strength (surgery side: RT-HIIT vs. UC: ES = 0.41, RT-HIIT vs. AT-HIIT: ES = 0.28; non-surgery side: RT-HIIT vs. UC: ES = 0.35, RT-HIIT vs. AT-HIIT: ES = 0.22) and lower-limb muscle strength (RT-HIIT vs. UC: ES = 0.66, RT-HIIT vs. AT-HIIT: ES = 0.23) were significantly improved in the RT-HIIT. Increases in body mass were smaller in RT-HIIT (ES = − 0.16) and AT-HIIT (ES = − 0.16) versus UC. RT-HIIT reported higher pressure-pain thresholds than UC (trapezius: ES = 0.46, gluteus: ES = 0.53) and AT-HIIT (trapezius: ES = 0.30).ConclusionSixteen weeks of RT-HIIT significantly improved muscle strength and reduced pain sensitivity. Both exercise programs were well tolerated and were equally efficient in preventing increases in body mass and in preventing declines in cardiorespiratory fitness. These results highlight the importance of implementing a combination of resistance and high-intensity interval training during chemotherapy for women with breast cancer.

High-intensity aerobic interval training can lead to improvement in skeletal muscle power among in-hospital patients with advanced heart failure.

This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of interval training during in-hospital treatment of patients with advanced heart failure. Twenty-four consecutive patients with advanced symptomatic heart failure who were referred for cardiac transplant evaluation were recruited. After performing aerobic exercise for approximate intensity, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) was performed. The protocol consisted of 3 or 4 sessions of 1-min high-intensity exercise aimed at 80% of peak VO2 or 80% heart rate reserve, followed by 4-min recovery periods of low intensity. In addition to the necessary laboratory data, hand grip strength and knee extensor strength were evaluated at the start of exercise training and both at the start and the end of HIIT. Knee extensor strength was standardized by body weight. The BNP level at the start of exercise training was 432 (812) pg/mL and it significantly decreased to 254 (400) pg/mL (p<0.001) at the end of HIIT. Hand grip strength did not change during course. By contrast, knee extensor strength significantly increased during HIIT [4.42±1.43→5.28±1.45N/kg, p<0.001], whereas the improvement of knee extensor strength was not significant from the start of exercise training to the start of HIIT. In addition, the change in knee extensor strength during HIIT was significantly associated with the hemoglobin A1c level at the start of exercise (R=-0.55; p=0.015). HIIT has a positive impact on skeletal muscle strength among in-hospital patients with advanced heart failure.

Effects of aerobic interval training on arterial stiffness and microvascular function in patients with metabolic syndrome

The authors determined the effect of high-intensity aerobic interval training on arterial stiffness and microvascular dysfunction in patients with metabolic syndrome with hypertension. Applanation tonometry was used to measure arterial stiffness and laser Doppler flowmetry to assess microvascular dysfunction before and after 6months of stationary cycling (training group; n=23) in comparison to a group that remained sedentary (control group; n=23). While no variable improved in controls, hypertension fell from 79% (59%-91%) to 41% (24%-61%) in the training group, resulting in lower systolic and diastolic pressures than controls (-12±3 and -6±2mm Hg, P<.008). Arterial stiffness declined (-17% augmentation index, P=.048) and reactive hyperemia increased (20%, P=.028) posttreatment in the training group vs controls. Blood constituents associated with arterial stiffness and a prothrombotic state (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, platelets, and erythrocytes) remained unchanged in the training and control groups. In summary, 6 months of an intense aerobic exercise program reduced both arterial stiffness and microvascular dysfunction in patients with metabolic syndrome despite unchanged blood-borne cardiovascular risk factors. Training lowers blood flow resistance in central and peripheral vascular beds in a coordinated fashion, resulting in clinically relevant reductions in hypertension.