Abstract
Purpose: Cardiac autonomic dysfunction and physical inactivity are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Short duration high intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to improve aerobic capacity; however, adaptations of the cardiac autonomic system are less clear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess cardiac autonomic adaptations to HIIT.Methods: In a randomised crossover controlled trial, 40 physically inactive males (aged 21±1.7 years) completed 2-weeks of HIIT and control period. The HIIT protocol consisted of 3 x 30-second maximal cycle ergometer sprints against a resistance of 7.5% body weight, interspersed with 2-minutes of active recovery. In total, 6-sessions were performed. Cardiac autonomic function was measured using a plethysmographic device (Task Force Monitor). Total spectral density (PSD) and associated low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) power spectral components were recorded in absolute (ms2) and normalised units (nu).
Results: Each participant completed 18-maximal cycle ergometer sprints over a 2-week period. The HIIT intervention produced significant improvements in HR (62.2±8.6 to 57.7±8.3 b·min-1; p
Conclusion: A short-term programme of HIIT was associated with a significant increase in cardiac autonomic modulation, demonstrated by a residual increase in cardiac vagal activity. HIIT also produced significant improvements in functional capacity and reductions in systolic blood pressure.
| Date of Award | 2017 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
Cite this
- Standard