High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) as a Potential Countermeasure for Phenotypic Characteristics of Sarcopenia: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Sarcopenia is defined as a progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle quantity and function associated predominantly with aging. Physical activity appears the most promising intervention to attenuate sarcopenia, yet physical activity guidelines are rarely met. In recent years high intensity interval training (HIIT) has garnered interested in athletic populations, clinical populations, and general population alike. There is emerging evidence of the efficacy of HIIT in the young old (i.e. seventh decade of life), yet data concerning the oldest old (i.e., ninth decade of life onwards), and those diagnosed with sarcopenic are sparse.Objectives: In this scoping review of the literature, we aggregated information regarding HIIT as a potential intervention to attenuate phenotypic characteristics of sarcopenia.Eligibility Criteria: Original investigations concerning the impact of HIIT on muscle function, muscle quantity or quality, and physical performance in older individuals (mean age ≥60 years of age) were considered.Sources of Evidence: Five electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [CENTRAL]) were searched.Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework (2005). Review selection and characterization were performed by two independent reviewers using pretested forms.Results: Authors reviewed 1,063 titles and abstracts for inclusion with 74 selected for full text review. Thirty-two studies were analyzed. Twenty-seven studies had a mean participant age in the 60s, two in the 70s, and three in the 80s. There were 20 studies which examined the effect of HIIT on muscle function, 22 which examined muscle quantity, and 12 which examined physical performance. HIIT was generally effective in Improving muscle function and physical performance compared to non-exercised controls, moderate intensity continuous training, or pre-HIIT (study design-dependent), with more ambiguity concerning muscle quantity.Conclusions: Most studies presented herein utilized outcome measures defined by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP). However, there are too few studies investigating any form of HIIT in the oldest old (i.e., ≥80 years of age), or those already sarcopenic. Therefore, more intervention studies are needed in this population.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in Hypoxia Improves Maximal Aerobic Capacity More Than HIIT in Normoxia: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression

“…Sprint-interval training (SIT; an ‘all-out’ derivative of HIIT) may also be considered under the HIIT umbrella. HIIT is typically around or below 100% VO 2max whilst SIT is all-out, an intensity above VO 2max [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Both HIIT and SIT are reportedly efficacious in improving VO 2max at sea level [ 19 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ].…”

High Intensity Interval Training: A Potential Method for Treating Sarcopenia

“…In this review, there were 20 papers tested the effect of HIIT on muscle function, and most of them reported that HIIT could enhance muscle strength and power; 12 studies focused on the effect of HIIT on physical function, all of which showed the improvement of physical performance after HIIT; nevertheless, 22 studies which analyzed the effect of HIIT on muscle quantity had contradictory conclusions, and generally speaking, the effect of HIIT on muscle quality and quantity is unclear. 80 …”

Three Months of Strength Training Changes the Gene Expression of Inflammation-Related Genes in PBMC of Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Many different exercise interventions have been proposed to counter CLIP in older adults but no consensus yet exists regarding the most effective exercise modality [34]. Given the age-related loss of muscle mass and muscle strength in ageing, defined as sarcopenia [35], there is increasing interest in strength training programs for older persons as these are considered the most effective means to combat sarcopenia [35][36][37][38]. Since CLIP is considered as an aggravating factor for sarcopenia [39], an exercise intervention able to counter both conditions might be a preferred intervention for prevention and treatment.…”