PurposeHigh-intensity interval training (HIIT) and blood flow restriction (BFR) training have been used to enhance athletic performance and cardiovascular health. Combining these training modalities might be an effective training modality for masters athletes who seek to enhance athletic performance and to reduce cardiovascular risks.MethodsFifty masters road cyclists age 35–49 yr were randomly assigned to the continuous exercise training (n = 16), continuous plus HIIT (n = 17), and continuous plus BFR training combined with HIIT (BFRIT; n = 17) for 12 wk. Both HIIT and BFRIT were performed on a cycle ergometer twice a week.ResultsMaximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max) increased in the HIIT and BFRIT groups (P < 0.05). This was accompanied by significant improvements in maximal cardiac output and stroke volume (P < 0.05). Forty-kilometer time trial performance improved in all three groups (P < 0.05). Peak power output increased in both HIIT and BFRIT groups (P < 0.05). Flow-mediated dilation in both brachial and popliteal arteries increased in all three groups (all P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in carotid intima-media thickness and arterial stiffness in any of the groups. Total lean mass, muscle cross-sectional area and thickness in rectus femoris and vastus lateralis, and peak torque of isokinetic knee extension increased only in the BFRIT group (all P < 0.05). Tissue saturation index decreased only in the BFRIT group (P < 0.05). Changes in 40-km time trial performance were associated with corresponding changes in V̇O2max (r = −0.312, P = 0.029) and peak isokinetic extensor torque (r = −0.432, P = 0.002).ConclusionsIncluding HIIT particularly with BFR in the routine continuous training may be more effective in enhancing performance and physiological functions in masters road cyclists.
The objectives of this study were to study and compare the effects of moderate-intensity continuous and interval training on physical fitness in obesity. The participants were 48 male and female (fat % over 20 in men and 30 in women, aged between 20 – 25 years) and were randomized into three groups: 12 weeks of continuous along exercise (CA), 60-65% MHR (7 men and 8 women); 12 weeks interval exercise (IG), 60-65% MHR (208 - (0.7 x Age) alternate with 70-75% MHR every 1 minute (9 men and 8 women); and control group (CG) (8 men and 8 women). At baseline VO2max, total body weight, body fat percentage, and visceral fat data did not differ significantly between the three groups (p > 0.05). After 12 weeks of exercise intervention, both men and women participants in CA and IG had significantly improved in VO2max, total body weight, body fat percentage, no significantly in CG. There is no significant between CA and IG in every variable but significantly between CA and CG and between IG and CG in both men and women participants.
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