A Single Session of Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Exercise Reduces Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Normotensive Men

Acute Effect of High-Intensity Interval Exercise on Blood Pressure in Females Living with Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension

BACKGROUND

The acute effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on blood pressure (BP) may depend on the exercise protocol performed.

PURPOSE

To compare the acute effect of high- and low-volume HIIT on post-exercise and ambulatory BP in untrained older females diagnosed with both type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

METHODS

Fifteen females (69 (65-74) yr) completed a crossover study with three experimental conditions: 1) REST (35 min in sitting position); 2) HIIT10 (10 × 1 min at 90% heart rate max (HRmax)), and 3) HIIT4 (4 × 4 min at 90% HRmax). After each experimental condition, BP was measured under controlled (4 h) and in subsequent free-living conditions (20 h).

RESULTS

In the controlled post-condition 4-h period, no significant interaction (time-condition) was observed for all BP parameters ( P ≥ 0.082). Similarly, during the subsequent 20-h free-living ambulatory monitoring (diurnal and nocturnal), no differences between conditions were detected ( P ≥ 0.094). A significant reduction in nighttime pulse pressure was observed in both HIIT4 and HIIT10 compared with REST (46 (44-50), 45 (42-53) vs 50 (45-57) mm Hg, respectively; P ≤ 0.018) with no differences between HIIT conditions ( P = 0.316). Changes in nocturnal systolic BP approached but did not reach statistical significance ( P = 0.068).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that in untrained older females living with type 2 diabetes and hypertension, the HIIT10 and HIIT4 protocols have very limited to no acute effect on post-exercise and ambulatory BP. The fact that the vast majority of participants had well-controlled office and ambulatory BP values as well as low cardiorespiratory fitness could explain these findings.

Effects of physical activity on blood pressure and mortality among aged hypertensive patients: A cross-sectional study

Previous research on physical activity (PA) has mostly concentrated on a single or small number of activities, with scant coverage of the effects of PA on hypertension (HTN) and all-cause mortality. Most studies examining HTN in the elderly have been too small or shown contradictory findings. We conducted a cross-sectional study using 10 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 1999 to 2018. Our sample consisted of respondents aged 65 years or older with HTN, who underwent thorough in-person home interviews. We used a questionnaire to assess their PA levels and divided them into 2 groups: physically active and inactive. We then used logistic analysis to determine the association between PA and death in HTN patients. The gender distribution was nearly equal among the 11,258 participants, with a mean age of 74.36 ± 5.88 years. Nearly 80% of the survey respondents identified as non-Hispanic White. Patients in the physically active group were less likely to suffer from co-morbidities than those in the inactive group. A negative correlation was found between physically active and systolic blood pressure (P < .0001) and a positive correlation between physically active and diastolic blood pressure (P = .0007). There was a much higher risk of death from any cause and heart disease in the inactive group in the uncorrected COX model (HR 2.96, CI 2.65-3.32, P < .0001; HR 3.48, CI 2.64-4.58, P < .0001). The risk of death from any cause and HTN mortality was still significantly higher in the physically inactive group, even after controlling for age, sex, and race or taking all covariates into account. These results have the potential to significantly impact healthcare practices, particularly in the field of geriatric care, by emphasizing the importance of PA in reducing the risk of HTN and mortality in aged patients. The present study underscores the significant benefits of PA in patients aged 65 years and older with HTN. Notably, it was found to reduce systolic blood pressure and have a positive impact on the decrease of all-cause and hypertensive mortality. These findings highlight the crucial role of PA in the health and longevity of aged patients with HTN.

Influence of cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition on resting and post-exercise indices of vascular health in young adults

Poor cardiorespiratory fitness may mediate vascular impairments at rest and following an acute bout of exercise in young healthy individuals. This study aimed to compare flow mediated dilation (FMD) and vascular augmentation index (AIx75) between young adults with low, moderate, and high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness before and after an acute bout of aerobic exercise. Forty-three participants (22 men; 21 women) between 18 and 29 years of age completed the study. Participants were classified into low, moderate, and high health-related cardiorespiratory fitness groups according to age- and sex-based relative maximal oxygen consumption (V ˙ O2 max) percentile rankings. FMD was performed using Doppler ultrasound and AIx75 was performed using pulse wave analysis at baseline and 60-min after a 30-min bout of treadmill running at 70% V ˙ O2 max. A significant interaction (p ​= ​0.047; ηp2 ​= ​0.142) was observed, with the moderate fitness group exhibiting a higher FMD post-exercise compared with baseline ([6.7% ​± ​3.1%] vs. [8.5% ​± ​2.8%], p ​= ​0.028; d ​= ​0.598). We found a significant main effect of group for AIx75 (p ​= ​0.023; ηp2 ​= ​0.168), with the high fitness group exhibiting lower AIx75 compared to low fitness group ([-10% ​± ​10%] vs. [2% ​± ​10%], respectively, p ​= ​0.019; g ​= ​1.07). This was eliminated after covarying for body fat percentage (p ​= ​0.489). Our findings suggest that resting FMD and AIx75 responses are not significantly influenced by cardiorespiratory fitness, but FMD recovery responses to exercise may be enhanced in individuals with moderate cardiorespiratory fitness levels.

Similar Postexercise Hypotension After MICT, HIIT, and SIT Exercises in Middle-Age Adults

INTRODUCTION

Acute bouts of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) transiently lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in the hours after termed postexercise hypotension (PEH); however, the effects of sprint interval training (SIT) exercise have yet to be explored in middle-age adults. Although previous work has found no effect of exercise intensity on PEH, no study has compared submaximal, near maximal, and supramaximal intensities, specifically in middle-age adults where blood pressure (BP) management strategies may be of greater importance.

PURPOSE

This study examined the effects of MICT, HIIT, and SIT exercises on PEH in the immediate (≤2 h) and 24 h after exercise specifically in middle-age adults.

METHODS

Fourteen participants (10 female; age, 46 ± 9 yr; SBP, 116 ± 11 mm Hg; DBP, 67 ± 6 mm Hg; one hypertensive, four prehypertensive, nine normotensive) had their BP measured before, immediately (15, 30, 60, 120 min), and over 24 h after four experimental sessions: 1) 30-min MICT exercise (65% maximal oxygen consumption), 2) 20-min HIIT exercise (10 × 1 min at 90% maximum heart rate with 1-min rest), 3) 16-min SIT exercise (8 × 15 s all-out sprints with 2-min rest), and 4) no-exercise control. Postexercise BP was compared with no-exercise control.

RESULTS

PEH was similar for all exercise sessions for SBP ( P = 0.388, = 0.075) and DBP ( P = 0.206, = 0.108). Twenty-four-hour average SBP was similar for all sessions P = 0.453, = 0.069), and DBP was similar over 24 h except after MICT exercise compared with HIIT exercise ( P = 0.018, d = 1.04).

CONCLUSIONS

In middle-age adults, MICT, HIIT, and SIT exercises are effective at reducing SBP; however, the effects on DBP are smaller, and neither reductions are sustained over 24 h.

High-intensity functional exercise does not cause persistent elevations in augmentation index in young men and women

Elevations in central augmentation index (AIx) are predictive of cardiovascular disease. Our objective was to examine AIx immediately and 24-hrs following an acute bout of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) in apparently healthy young adults. A second aim compared the exercise induced AIx recovery response between men and women. Thirty-two recreationally active younger adults (n=16 men) were tested. Baseline central hemodynamic measures were assessed, followed by a single bout of bodyweight HIFT. The HIFT included four rounds of burpees, jump squats, split squats, and walking lunges. Assessments were repeated 5-, 10-, 15- and 24-hrs post exercise. AIx was normalized to a heart rate of 75 bpm (AIx75). There was a significant main effect of time on AIx75 across all groups (p<0.001) with AIx75 increasing at all acute timepoints compared with baseline and returning to resting values 24-hrs post-exercise. When examining sex differences after covarying for height and body fat percentage, we found no time*sex interaction (p=0.62), or main effect for sex (p=0.41), but the significant main effect of time remained (p<0.001). The AIx75 response to HIFT follows a similar recovery pattern as previously studied modes of exercise with no residual effects 24 hrs later and no differences between men and women indicating no persistent cardiovascular strain in younger adults participating in this mode of exercise.

Physical activity level and perceived exertion predict in-task affective valence to low-volume high-intensity interval exercise in adult males

Previous results reveal a decline in affective valence in response to progressive exercise in adults. However, this similar decline is not universally observed in response to high intensity interval exercise (HIIE), which may be due to its intermittent nature. The aim of the current study was to examine potential predictors of the in-task affective valence to low-volume HIIE (LV-HIIE; 10 × 60 s high-intensity intervals at 90% of maximal treadmill velocity interspersed by 60 s at 30% of maximal treadmill velocity). We analyzed data from 76 males (age and body mass index = 26.5 ± 4.4 yr and 27.3 ± 5.4 kg/m²) who had participated in previous investigations in our lab. Throughout each session, affective valence (Feeling Scale; + 5 to -5), rating of perceived exertion (RPE; Borg scale 6 to 20), and heart rate (HR) were measured. The predictors of in-task affective valence were analyzed during different phases of the LV-HIIE session (i.e. beginning, average of high-intensity intervals 1-3; middle, average of high-intensity intervals 4-7; and end, average of high-intensity intervals 8-10). Results showed a significant decline in affective valence (p < 0.001), increase in RPE (p < 0.001) and HR (p < 0.001) in response to LV-HIIE. Primary predictors of in-task affective valence to LV-HIIE were physical activity level and RPE (beginning, R² = 0.511, p < 0.001; middle, R² = 0.681, p < 0.001; end, R² = 0.742, p = 0.008). In conclusion, physical activity level and perceived exertion significantly predict the in-task affective valence to LV-HIIE in adult males.

Acute antihypertensive effect of self-selected exercise intensity in older women with hypertension: a crossover trial

PURPOSE

Acute reduction in blood pressure (BP) following an exercise session is evidenced in controlled settings with formal supervision in hypertensive older populations. This study investigated the effect of a self-selected exercise (SSE)-intensity session on ambulatory BP in hypertensive older women in a "real-world" setting.

METHODS

Twenty inactive older women with hypertension (64.9±4.5 years) were included in this randomized, controlled, crossover trial. After baseline assessments, participants performed 30 minutes of an SSE-intensity session on an outdoor track and a control session, separated by 7-10 days. Heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and affective response were assessed. Ambulatory BP was monitored for 20 hours following both sessions. Paired t-tests and generalized estimation were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Participants exercised at 5.1±1.1 km/h, spent ~90% of the exercise time at moderate-vigorous intensity (≥40% of heart rate reserve). SSE-intensity session was reported as light (RPE 11.0±1.5) and pleasant (affect 3.4±1.2). SSE-intensity session elicited reductions in systolic BP in the first 6 hours postexercise (6.0 mmHg, CI 2.7-9.3 mmHg; P<0.001). Average systolic BP in the 20-hour (-3.4 mmHg, CI -5.9 to -0.9 mmHg; P=0.010) and awake (-4.0 mmHg, CI -6.4 to -1.6 mmHg; P=0.003) periods were lower following SSE-intensity session compared to control session. No differences were observed in average systolic BP during asleep period and diastolic BP during the 20-hour awake and asleep periods between the SSE-intensity session and control session (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

An SSE-intensity session elicited a reduction in ambulatory systolic BP in inactive older women with hypertension during awake and 20-hour periods. Also, the SSE-intensity session was reported as light and pleasant.

Effect of Breaks in Prolonged Sitting or Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Exercise on Markers of Metabolic Syndrome in Adults With Excess Body Fat: A Crossover Trial

BACKGROUND

This study analyzed the effect of walking breaks or low-volume high-intensity interval exercise (LV-HIIE) on markers of metabolic syndrome relative to a day of prolonged sitting.

METHODS

Twenty-five adults with excess body fat participated in this crossover trial: (1) 10-hour sitting day (SIT), (2) LV-HIIE followed by a sitting day (EX+SIT), and (3) sitting day with 5-minute walking breaks for every 20 minutes (SIT+WB). Glucose and blood pressure (BP) were measured before and 1 hour after 4 meals and 2 hours after lunch. Triglycerides were measured at baseline, 2, and 3.5 hours after lunch. Generalized mixed models were used to identify differences in the area under the curve (AUC) of BP and incremental AUC (iAUC) of glucose and triglycerides among the sessions.

RESULTS

iAUC-glucose was lower in SIT+WB than SIT (β = -35.3 mg/dL·10 h; 95% confidence interval, -52.5 to -8.2). AUC-diastolic BP was lower in SIT+WB than SIT (β = -14.1 mm Hg·10 h; 95% confidence interval, -26.5 to -1.6) and EX+SIT (β = -14.5 mm Hg·10 h; 95% confidence interval, -26.9 to -2.1). There were no differences in triglycerides and systolic BP levels among the sessions.

CONCLUSION

Adults with excess body fat present lower glucose and diastolic BP during a day with breaks in sitting time compared with a prolonged sitting day with or without an LV-HIIE session.

Physical Exercise for Individuals with Hypertension: It Is Time to Emphasize its Benefits on the Brain and Cognition

Hypertension affects more than 40% of adults worldwide and is associated with stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and other cardiovascular diseases. It has also been shown to cause severe functional and structural damage to the brain, leading to cognitive impairment and dementia. Furthermore, it is believed that these cognitive impairments affect the mental ability to maintain productivity at work, ultimately causing social and economic problems. Because hypertension is a chronic condition that requires clinical treatment, strategies with fewer side effects and less-invasive procedures are needed. Physical exercise (PE) has proven to be an efficient and complementary tool for hypertension management, and its peripheral benefits have been widely supported by related studies. However, few studies have specifically examined the potential positive effects of PE on the brain in hypertensive individuals. This narrative review discusses the pathophysiological mechanisms that hypertension promotes in the brain, and suggests PE as an important tool to prevent and reduce cognitive damage caused by hypertension. We also provide PE recommendations for hypertensive individuals, as well as suggestions for promoting PE as a method for increasing cognitive abilities in the brain, particularly for hypertensive individuals.

Psychological responses, muscle damage, inflammation, and delayed onset muscle soreness to high-intensity interval and moderate-intensity continuous exercise in overweight men

We compared in-task affect to HIIE and MICE, and its relationship with time spent at different metabolic domains, perceived exertion (RPE), self-efficacy, enjoyment, and future intention of exercise in overweight inactive men. Muscle damage and soreness, and inflammation were assessed post-exercise. Fifteen participants (28.9 ± 5.0 yr; 29.2 ± 3.8 kg/m²) completed a HIIE (10 × 1 min at 100% V_max, 1 min recovery) and MICE (20 min at 55-59% VO_2reserve) session. Affect, alertness, RPE, and self-efficacy were assessed in-task, and enjoyment and future intention post-task. At baseline, 24 and 48 h, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, interleukin-6 and -10, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and muscle soreness were assessed. Affect (-3.1 ± 1.8 vs. 0.8 ± 1.8, P < .001) and self-efficacy (70 ± 15 vs. 90 ± 15%, P < .001) were lower, while RPE and alertness were higher in HIIE compared to MICE (Ps ≤ .02). Affect was negatively correlated with RPE in HIIE (r = -0.90) and MICE (r = -0.72), and time spent above respiratory compensation point in HIIE (r = -0.59). Affect was positively correlated with self-efficacy in MICE (r = 0.74). Enjoyment, future intention, muscle damage and soreness, and inflammation were similar between HIIE and MICE post-exercise. Therefore, in-task HIIE was experienced as unpleasant compared to MICE, but the psychological and physiological responses post-task were similar in overweight inactive men.

Reproducibility of ambulatory blood pressure after high-intensity interval training sessions in healthy individuals

This study analyzed the reproducibility of ambulatory blood pressure (BP) after high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions. Seventeen normotensive men (23.5±2.4 years) underwent two HIIT and two control sessions separated by 7-10 days. Ambulatory BP monitoring devices were used for 20 h. The intraclass correlation coefficient of BP in the awake and asleep periods ranged from 0.836 to 0.942 in the HIIT (P<0.05) and from 0.777 to 0.974 in the control sessions (P<0.05). The bias, limits of agreement, and pattern of distribution of awake BP were similar between HIIT and control sessions. However, for asleep BP, the bias and limits of agreement were not similar between HIIT and control sessions. In conclusion, in physically active adults, ambulatory BP after HIIT sessions presented good reproducibility only in the awake period.

Effect of Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Exercise and Continuous Exercise on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness in Untrained Healthy Males

Farias Junior, LF, Browne, RAV, Frazão, DT, Dantas, TCB, Silva, PHM, Freitas, RPA, Aoki, MS, and Costa, EC. Effect of low-volume high-intensity interval exercise and continuous exercise on delayed-onset muscle soreness in untrained healthy males. J Strength Cond Res 33(3): 774-782, 2019-The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a single session of a low-volume high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and a continuous exercise (CE) on the magnitude of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in untrained healthy males. Fifteen participants (25.1 ± 4.4 years) completed 2 experimental sessions in a randomized order: (a) low-volume HIIE: 10 × 60 seconds at 90% of maximal velocity (MV) interspersed with 60 seconds of active recovery at 30% of MV and (b) CE: 20 minutes at 60% of MV. Pressure-pain threshold (PPT), pressure-pain tolerance (PPTol), and perceived pain intensity (PPI) were assessed in the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and gastrocnemius before and 24 hours after exercise. There was a decrease of PPT in the rectus femoris (-0.5 kg·cm) and PPTol in the gastrocnemius (-1.4 kg·cm) and an increase of PPI in the rectus femoris (14.4 mm) and in the biceps femoris (11.7 mm) 24 hours after the low-volume HIIE session (p ≤ 0.05). There was a decrease of PPT (rectus femoris: -0.8 kg·cm; biceps femoris: -0.5 kg·cm; gastrocnemius: -0.9 kg·cm) and PPTol (rectus femoris: -1.9 kg·cm; biceps femoris: -2.7 kg·cm; gastrocnemius: -1.6 kg·cm) and an increase of PPI (rectus femoris: 8.1 mm; biceps femoris: 10.3 mm; gastrocnemius: 17.5 mm) in all muscles 24 hours after the CE session (p ≤ 0.05). No difference was observed between HIIE and CE sessions in any DOMS-related parameter (p > 0.05). In conclusion, a single session of low-volume HIIE and CE elicited a similar mild DOMS 24 hours after exercise in untrained healthy males.