Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Training on Cardiometabolic Health Markers in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Recent studies in nondisabled individuals have demonstrated that low-volume high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can improve cardiometabolic health similar to moderate-intensity training (MIT) despite requiring 20% of the overall time commitment. To date, there have been no studies assessing the effects of HIIT for improving cardiometabolic health in individuals with SCI. Objectives: The primary purpose of this pilot study was to compare the effects of 6 weeks of low-volume HIIT vs MIT using arm crank ergometer exercise to improve body composition, cardiovascular fitness, glucose tolerance, blood lipids, and blood pressure in a cohort of individuals with longstanding SCI. Methods: Participants were randomized to 6 weeks of HIIT or MIT arm crank exercise training. Aerobic capacity, muscular strength, blood lipids, glucose tolerance, blood pressure, and body composition were assessed at baseline and 6 weeks post training. Results: Seven individuals (6 male, 1 female; n = 3 in MIT and n = 4 in HIIT; mean age 51.3 ± 10.5 years) with longstanding SCI completed the study. The preliminary findings from this pilot study demonstrated that individuals with SCI randomized to either 6 weeks of HIIT or MIT displayed improvements in (a) insulin sensitivity, (b) cardiovascular fitness, and (c) muscular strength ( p < .05). However, MIT led to greater improvements in arm fat percent and chest press strength compared to HIIT ( p < .05). Conclusion: No differences between MIT and HIIT were observed. Both conditions led to improvements in insulin sensitivity, aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and blood lipids in individuals with SCI. Future larger cohort studies are needed to determine if the shorter amount of time required from HIIT is preferable to current MIT exercise recommendations.

A Single Bout of Upper-Body Exercise Has No Effect on Postprandial Metabolism in Persons with Chronic Paraplegia

“…Training programs involving HIIE and MICE elicit comparable improvements, in insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and body composition, in nondisabled overweight and obese individuals ( 16 ). Pilot work in individuals with SCI also indicates similar improvements in insulin sensitivity after training programs involving HIIE and MICE ( 17 ). HIIE is particularly appealing given the reduced time commitment and is often cited as more enjoyable than MICE ( 18 ).…”

Endurance Training Regulates Expression of Some Angiogenesis-Related Genes in Cardiac Tissue of Experimentally Induced Diabetic Rats

“…There are also no reports on ET side effects in DM patients, highlighting its safety for DM treatment [ 27 , 28 , 31 , 32 ]. In addition, it has been suggested that ET could lead to vascular modifications associated with capillary density and angiogenesis [ 3 , 33 , 34 , 35 ] and result in cardiac remolding. For example, Ardakanizade et al [ 36 ] examined the effects of long-term and mid-term ET on angiogenesis and reported higher gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B), MEF2C, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and lower gene expression of HDAC4 and ANGPT-1 in the long- than mid-term ET.…”

Endurance Training Regulates Expression of Some Angiogenesis-Related Genes in Cardiac Tissue of Experimentally Induced Diabetic Rats

“…There are also no reports on ET side effects in DM patients, highlighting its safety for DM treatment [27,28,31,32]. In addition, it has been suggested that ET could lead to vascular modifications associated with capillary density and angiogenesis [3,[33][34][35] and result in cardiac remolding. For example, Ardakanizade et al [36] examined the effects of long-term and mid-term ET on angiogenesis and reported higher gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B), MEF2C, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and lower gene expression of HDAC4 and ANGPT-1 in the long-than mid-term ET.…”