Impact of High Intensity Interval Versus Moderate Intensity Continuous Training on Modulating Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Background: Estrogen has protective effects on the cardiovascular system due to which there is an increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women.Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of high intensity interval training versus moderate intensity continuous training on modulating cardiovascular disease risk factors in postmenopausal women. Participants and methods:Sixty obese hypertensive postmenopausal women participated in this study, their age ranged from 45-55 years. They were divided into two groups equal in number,(group-A; n=30) high intensity interval training group (HIT group) received high intensity interval training for 3 sessions per week for 12 weeks and (group-B; n=30) Moderate intensity continuous training group (MIT group) received moderate intensity continuous training for 3 sessions per week for 12 weeks and. Nitric oxide, blood pressure and BMI were measured before and after the study. Results:The results of this study revealed a non-statistical significant difference (P>0.05) between both groups (A&B) in nitric oxide, blood pressure and BMI before the treatment, While, there was a highly statistical significant difference (P<0.01) after treatment in favor of group (A). Conclusion:It could be concluded that HIT is more effective than MIT in improving levels of nitric oxide, blood pressure and BMI.