High-Intensity Interval Circuit Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Middle-Aged and Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has similar or better effects than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in increasing peak oxygen consumption (VO2max), however, it has not been studied when HIIT is applied in a circuit (HIICT). The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a HIICT versus MICT on VO2max estimated (VO2max-ES), heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) of middle-aged and older women. A quasi-experimental randomized controlled trial was used. Fifty-four women (67.8 ± 6.2 years) were randomized to either HIICT (n = 18), MICT (n = 18) or non-exercise control group (CG; n = 18) for 18 weeks. Participants in HIICT and MICT trained two days/week (one hour/session). Forty-one participants were assessed (HIICT; n = 17, MICT; n = 12, CG; n = 12). Five adverse events were reported. Cardiorespiratory fitness, HR and BP were measured. The tests were performed before and after the exercise intervention programs. VO2max-ES showed significant training x group interaction, in which HIICT and MICT were statistically superior to CG. Moreover, HIICT and MICT were statistically better than CG in the diastolic blood pressure after exercise (DBPex) interaction. For the systolic blood pressure after exercise (SBPex), HIICT was statistically better than CG. In conclusion, both HIICT and MICT generated adaptations in VO2max-ES and DBPex. Furthermore, only HIICT generated positive effects on the SBPex. Therefore, both training methods can be considered for use in exercise programs involving middle-aged and older women.

Chronic Effects of Different Intensities of Interval Training on Hemodynamic, Autonomic and Cardiorespiratory Variables of Physically Active Elderly People

“…We chose to check VO 2max in an estimated way. However, studies that also used the estimated cardiorespiratory analysis method achieved positive results 7 , which allows us to accept that the estimated method, even with limitations, can be a proper way of evaluating this functionality. Another issue that may have in uenced the results with low expressiveness (p> 0.05) is the intensity of stimulus applied, both for TG A (70-75% HR max ) and…”

“…The intensity of the stimuli still seems to be an unresolved issue. Because studies have shown positive responses with work intensities below thresholds 31 and with high-intensity stimuli above metabolic and/or ventilatory limits 7,56 . In the present study, the IT intervention was performed in 2 groups (TG A and TG B ) with different stimulus intensities, being 70-75% HR max (TG A ) and 60-65% HR max (TG B ) and even with light to moderate, the elderly investigated improved the cardioprotective capacity, through the analysis of ES and ∆%.…”

HRV-Guided Training for Professional Endurance Athletes: A Protocol for a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The Cardioline Cube ® electrocardiograph will be used. To perform the incremental treadmill test, the Runner srl (Cavezzo Italy) treadmill will be used, as it was in other studies such as Ballesta-García, Martínez-González-Moro, Ramos-Campo, and Carrasco-Poyatos [40]. Similar to other studies, such as Nuuttila et al [30] or Vesterinen et al [31], a prior 2-min aerobic warm up will be performed at 6 km/h.…”

Eight Weeks of Interval Training Led to no Improvement in Cardiovascular Variables in the Elderly

“…Studies show positive responses with work intensities below the threshold limits [20]. Also, high-intensity stimuli show levels above the metabolic or ventilatory limits, or both [36]. In this study, the IT intervention was performed in two groups (TG A and TG B ), with different intensities, 70-75% of HR max (TG A ), and 60-65% of HR max (TG B ).…”