Training Mode Comparisons on Cardiorespiratory, Body Composition and Metabolic Profile Adaptations in Reproductive Age Women: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIT), sprint interval training (SIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), weight (kg), body fat mass (%), plasma glucose (fasting) and lipid levels in reproductive-age women. Method: The search was conducted in Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Virtual Health Library and Scielo. The meta-analyses were conducted using Review Manager software for random-effects models. The results were presented as standardized mean differences and 95%CI, which were calculated to determine the effect size of HIT/SIT and MICT interventions. Results: Eleven articles meet the inclusion criteria. The analyses demonstrated that all exercise modes improved body composition and metabolic profile, but nevertheless, MICT was significantly better at improving CRF (mL·min−1·kg−1) compared with HIT (2.45 mL·min−1·kg−1 (95% CI: 1.15 to 3.75 mL·min−1·kg−1); p < 0.05; I2 = 0%) and with SIT (0.98 mL·min−1·kg−1 (95% CI: −0.98 to 2.93 mL·min−1·kg−1); p = 0.33; I2 = 53%). Conclusion: Both HIT and SIT have the potential to be used as a training modality in reproductive-age women, with similar effects to MICT on body composition/metabolic markers but inferior effects on CRF, suggesting that HIT/SIT may be considered a “time-efficient component″ of weight management programs. However, the variability in the secondary outcome measures, coupled with the small sample sizes in studies, limits this finding.

Effect of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Fuel Oxidation Post HIT in Women Reproductive Age: A Pilot Study

“…In another study, Wenz et al also found greater LT lipid oxidation during cycle ergometer exercise at 30 and 50% of the VO2max, but not at 70% in healthy eumenorrheic women [ 25 ]. The literature has shown that the hormone concentrations present in the different menstrual cycle phases significantly influence the energy metabolism rates, with changes in estrogen secretion, which generates inflammatory reactions during and after physical exercise [ 2 , 5 , 7 , 26 ].…”

“…During FL there is a high concentration of 17β-estradiol, progressive increase of estrogen, and absence of progesterone, which favors the absorption of glucose by the muscle and its oxidation, reducing LIPox and protein oxidation [ 5 , 7 , 26 ]. On the other hand, in TL, a peak of estrogen and mainly of progesterone generates negative impacts of CHOox, forcing the body to carry out greater oxidation of lipid structures and muscle proteins [ 2 , 5 , 26 , 27 , 28 ].…”

Six HIT Sessions Improve Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Metabolic Flexibility in Insulin Resistant and Insulin Sensitive Adolescents with Obesity

“…The pre-HIT oxidation rates at the study baseline were similar to those reported by Barker et al [ 18 ], although CHOox was limited in the volunteers of the present study. This finding suggests some inability to switch among the oxidative and glycolytic metabolisms, which were described as “metabolic inflexibility” [ 27 , 33 , 35 ], a phenomenon not specific to adults or associated with insulin resistance alone.…”

“…However, additional research is warranted to clarify the molecular mechanisms responsible for metabolic adaptation induced by these different acute exercise “impulses”. For example, HIT may differ from MICT with respect to changes induced in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, metabolic control in other organs (liver or adipose tissue), and protection from various factors associated with chronic inactivity (insulin resistance, lipid dysregulation, or metabolic inflexibility) [ 27 , 33 , 35 , 46 ].…”

“…However, the relationship between HIT and female characteristics is unclear in women of reproductive age. Thus, more research is needed to test the potential superiority of HIT vs. MICT on body composition and general oxidative metabolism, as well as to elucidate whether hormonal changes in the female ovarian cycle or the use of different types of contraceptives (estrogen and progesterone) could induce a state of “flexibility or inflexibility” metabolic effects in the female audience under different HIT training protocols [ 35 ].…”