High-Intensity Interval Versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training in Individuals With Parkinson’s Disease: Hemodynamic and Functional Adaptation

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate-intensity continuous exercise training (MICE) on hemodynamic and functional variables in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Methods: Twenty participants (13 men) were randomly assigned to a thrice-weekly HIIT (n = 12) or MICE (n = 8) for 12 weeks. Hemodynamic (resting heart rate and blood pressure, carotid femoral pulse wave velocity, endothelial reactivity, and heart rate variability) and functional variables (5-time sit-to-stand, timed up and go, and 6-min walking tests) assessed before and after training. Results: Demographic, hemodynamic and functional variables were similar between groups at baseline. Endothelial reactivity tended to increase after HIIT, but not after MICE, resulting in improved level (∼8%, P < .01) of this variable in HIIT versus MICE during follow-up. Six-minute walking test improved after HIIT (10.4 ± 3.8%, P < .05), but did not change after MICE. Sit to stand improved similarly after HIIT (27.2 ± 6.1%, P < .05) and MICE (21.5 ± 5.4%, P < .05). No significant changes were found after HIIT or MICE in any other variable assessed. Conclusion: These results suggest that exercise intensity may influence training-induced adaptation on endothelial reactivity and aerobic capacity in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

Is High-Intensity Interval Training Suitable to Promote Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Functions after Stroke?

“…In patients with multiple sclerosis, HIIT reduces inflammation and enhances in parallel executive functions as well as verbal memory. Nevertheless, no significant cognitive nor quality-of-life improvements are observed in people with Parkinson's disease after HIIT, while it is effective in improving serum BDNF and other functional outcomes [160][161][162].…”

BDNF as a Promising Therapeutic Agent in Parkinson’s Disease

“…Exercise improves mobility and increases muscle strength [144]. In addition, exercise therapy in the form of endurance training, resistance training, intensive mixed training, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) resulted in a reduction of clinical symptoms in PD [145][146][147][148][149][150][151][152]. Long-term resistance and HIIT training reduced muscle tone and stiffness and had a positive effect on body balance in people with PD, osteoarthritis, and AD [153][154][155][156].…”

Mitochondrial hyperactivity as a potential therapeutic target in Parkinson’s disease

“…Possible approaches may include reducing mitochondrial activity, potentially with metformin, and/or targeting BCAA metabolism. For example, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) was recently shown to improve motor and cognitive symptoms in PD [ 22 , 23 ], and rats exposed to HIIT had significant alterations in plasma levels of BCAAs [ 24 ], consistent with a protective effect on BCAA metabolism. Moreover, different therapeutic strategies targeting BCAA metabolism or mitochondrial activity may be necessary at different stages of PD, such that specific imbalances are corrected rather than exacerbated, and mitochondrial homeostasis is restored.…”