Effects of low-volume court-based sprint interval training on anaerobic capacity and sport-specific performance in competitive tennis players.

Sprint interval training (SIT) is a potent exercise strategy to enhance athletes' anaerobic capacity in a time-efficient manner. This study aimed to investigate the impact of low-volume, court-based SIT on the anaerobic capacity and sport-specific performance in competitive tennis players. Twenty-four competitive collegiate tennis players were randomly assigned to either the SIT group (n = 12; three sessions per week of court-based repeated-sprint training) or the traditional endurance training (ET) group (n = 12; three sessions per week of 45-min continuous treadmill running, n = 12) for a 6-weeks intervention. Baseline and post-intervention assessments included the Wingate Anaerobic Test, elimination rate of blood lactate (BLAer), tennis-specific repeated sprint ability (RSA), and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 (YoYo-IR2). The results showed that SIT group demonstrated significant improvements in peak and average power during the Wingate test (p = 0.07; p < 0.001), along with a notable increase in YoYo-IR2 performance (7.8% increase, p = 0.04). Significant decreases were observed in both mean (5.1% decrease, p = 0.02) and sum RSA time (5.2% decrease, p = 0.02) in the tennis-specific RSA assessments. Additionally, the SIT group showed significantly higher effective training time and TRIMP in the 90-100% HRmax zone compared to the ET group (p < 0.01). This study underscores the potential benefits of low-volume, court-based SIT in enhancing anaerobic capacity and sport-specific performance in competitive tennis players, in comparison to traditional ET.

Impact of combined intermittent fasting and high-intensity interval training on apoptosis and atrophy signaling in rat fast- and slow-twitch muscles.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of combined intermittent fasting (IF) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on morphology, caspase-independent apoptosis signaling pathway, and myostatin expression in soleus and gastrocnemius (white portion) muscles from healthy rats. Sixty-day-old male Wistar rats (n = 60) were divided into four groups: control (C), IF, high-intensity-interval training (T), and high-intensity-interval training and intermittent fasting (T-IF). The C and T groups received ad libitum chow daily; IF and T-IF received the same standard chow every other day. Animals from T and T-IF underwent a HIIT protocol five times a week for 12 weeks. IF reduced gastrocnemius mass and increased pro-apoptotic proteins apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and endonuclease G (EndoG) in soleus and cleaved-to-non-cleaved PARP-1 ratio and myostatin expression in gastrocnemius white portion. HIIT increased AIF and apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain expression in soleus and cleaved-to-total PARP-1 ratio in gastrocnemius muscle white portion. The combination of IF and HIIT reduced fiber cross-sectional area in both muscles, increased EndoG and AIF expression, and decreased cleaved-to-non-cleaved PARP-1 ratio in gastrocnemius muscle white portion. Muscle responses to IF and HIIT are directly impacted by the muscle fiber type composition and are modulated, at least in part, by myostatin and caspase-independent apoptosis signaling.

Inflammatory markers and noncoding-RNAs responses to low and high compressions of HIIT with or without berberine supplementation in middle-aged men with prediabetes.

This study compared the capacity of two different models of HIIT [high-(HC) and low-(LC) compression], with or without the use of berberine (BBR), on NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein-3 (NLRP3), H19, interleukin (IL)-1ß, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and insulin resistance markers. Fifty-four middle-aged men with overweight or obesity and prediabetes [fasting blood glucose (FBG) 110-180 mg/dL] were randomly and equally assigned to the HC, LC, HC + BBR, LC + BBR, BBR, and non-exercising control (CON) groups. The HC (2:1 work-to-rest) and LC (1:1 work-to-rest) home-based training programs included 2-4 sets of 8 exercises at 80%-95% HRmax, twice a week for 8 weeks. Participants in the berberine groups received approximately 1000 mg daily. All exercise interventions led to a significant reduction in hs-CRP, IL-1ß, insulin, FBG, and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) versus CON. Notably, there was a significant reduction in FBG and HOMA-IR with the BBR group compared to the baseline. Both NLRP3 and H19 experienced a significant drop only with LC in comparison to the baseline. While both exercise protocols were beneficial overall, LC uniquely exhibited more anti-inflammatory effects, as indicated by reductions in H19 and NLRP3. However, the addition of berberine to the exercise programs did not demonstrate additional benefits.

The Ex-Timing trial: evaluating morning, afternoon, and evening exercise on the circadian clock in individuals with type 2 diabetes and overweight/obesity-a randomized crossover study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Exercise is known to provide multiple metabolic benefits such as improved insulin sensitivity and glucose control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and those at risk. Beyond the traditional exercise dose, exercise timing is perceived as a contemporary hot topic, especially in the field of T2DM; however, the number of intervention studies assessing exercise timing and glucose metabolism is scarce. Our aim is to test the effect of exercise timing (i.e., morning, afternoon, or evening) on the inter-individual response variability in glycemic control and related metabolic health parameters in individuals with T2DM and those at risk during a 12-week intervention. METHODS: A randomized crossover exercise intervention will be conducted involving two groups: group 1, individuals with T2DM; group 2, age-matched older adults with overweight/obesity. The intervention will consist of three 2-week blocks of supervised post-prandial exercise using high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Between each training block, a 2-week washout period, where participants avoid structured exercise, will take place. Assessments will be conducted in both groups before and after each exercise block. The primary outcomes include the 24-h area under the curve continuous glucose monitoring-based glucose. The secondary outcomes include body composition, resting energy expenditure, insulin response to a meal tolerance test, maximal aerobic capacity, peak power output, physical activity, sleep quality, and insulin and glucose levels. All primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at each assessment point. DISCUSSION: Outcomes from this trial will provide us additional insight into the role of exercise timing on the inter-individual response variability in glycemic control and other related metabolic parameters in two distinct populations, thus contributing to the development of more effective exercise prescription guidelines for individuals with T2DM and those at risk. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06136013. Registered on November 18, 2023.

Bioinformatics analysis of high-intensity intermittent exercise for prevention of myocardial infarction.

The mechanism of target interaction involving high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in improving prognosis of myocardial infarction (MI) remains unclear. This study aimed to establish a visual network of "HIIT-target-disease" by referring to the methods of pharmacological disease and drug bioinformatic analysis, to explore the potential targets, and key targets and predict the potential biological mechanism of high-intensity intermittent exercise in preventing and treating myocardial infarction. Public data resources such as OMIM, NCBI and GeneCards were used to find potential targets of high-intensity intermittent exercise and myocardial infarction. Key targets of overlap between exercise and disease were determined according to the Relevance score values analyzed by GeneCards. The visual network diagram of "HIIT - Multi-target-disease" was constructed by Cytoscape. A total of 4820 disease targets and 528 high-intensity intermittent exercise targets were screened out, and 444 overlapped targets were obtained, including 425 protein targets. Five core protein targets were selected: IL10, PPARA, TNF, IL6, and STAT3. It may pass PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, Insulin resistance pathway, T-cell signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and JAX-STAT signaling pathway and other pathways play a role. Our study comprehensively elucidated the potential targets, key targets and molecular mechanisms of high-intensity intermittent exercise in improving the prognosis of myocardial infarction, and proved that high-intensity intermittent exercise can act on multiple targets and multiple pathways to play a good preventive and therapeutic effect on myocardial infarction, providing scientific theoretical basis for revealing the mechanism of high-intensity intermittent exercise in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Efficacy of high-intensity interval training versus continuous training on serum myonectin and lipid outcomes in adults with metabolic syndrome: A post-hoc analysis of a clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Myonectin is a myokine with potential effects on the lipid metabolism; however, its regulation by exercise in humans remains unclear. We aimed to compare the efficacy of high-intensity interval training low-volume (HIIT) versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on serum myonectin, serum lipids, appendicular fat and lean mass, and intramuscular lipids in humans. METHODS: Secondary analysis of a controlled, randomized, clinical trial in adults of both sexes with metabolic syndrome, who underwent a supervised, three-times/week, 12-week treadmill program. HIIT (n = 29) consisted of six intervals with one-minute, high-intensity phases at 90% of peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) for a total of 22 min. MICT (n = 31) trained at 60% of VO2peak for 36 min. Serum myonectin was measured using a human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lipid profile was determined by enzymatic methods and free fatty acids (FFA) were measured by gas chromatography. Fat and lean mass were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Intramuscular lipids were measured through proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. RESULTS: Subjects had a mean age of 50.8±6.0 years and body mass index of 30.6±4.0 kg/m2. Compared to MICT, HIIT was not superior at increasing serum myonectin (p = 0.661) or linoleic acid (p = 0.263), reducing palmitic (p = 0.286) or stearic acid (p = 0.350), or improving lipid profile (all p>0.05), appendicular fat mass index -AFMI- (p = 0.713) or appendicular lean mass percentage -ALM- (p = 0.810). Compared to baseline, only HIIT significantly increased myonectin (p = 0.042), with a large effect size, although both interventions reduced AFMI and increased ALM with a large effect size. Lipid profile, FFA and intramuscular lipids did not change in any intervention group (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to MICT, HIIT low volume did not demonstrate superiority in improving serum lipids. The fact that both training types reduced AFMI without paralleled significant changes in serum myonectin suggests that this myokine may have a minor effect on short-middle-term exercise-induced fat mobilization.

Five-year follow-up of the OptiTrain trial on concurrent resistance and high-intensity interval training during chemotherapy for patients with breast cancer.

The protocol predefined aim of this study is to assess sustained effects of the OptiTrain trial on several health outcomes, 5 years after the baseline assessment. The OptiTrain study was a prospective, randomised controlled trial with 240 patients with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy that compared the effects of 16 weeks of two exercise programs, RT-HIIT and AT-HIIT, with usual care (UC). After a 5-year follow-up, eligible participants were evaluated for the primary outcome of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and secondary outcomes including quality of life, symptoms, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, body mass, physical activity, and sedentary behavior. Statistical analysis was conducted using linear mixed models adjusted for baseline values. Tumour profile and menopausal status were additionally adjusted for CRF. Mean differences (MD), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and standardized effect sizes (ES) were reported. At the 5-year follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences in total CRF between the intervention groups and the UC group. RT-HIIT reported significantly reduced pain sensitivity at the gluteus MD = 79.00 (95% CI 10.17, 147.83, ES = 0.55) compared to UC. Clinically meaningful differences for an increase in cognitive CRF and cardiorespiratory fitness were observed for the AT-HIIT versus UC group, and for lower limb strength for the RT-HIIT versus UC group, albeit without statistical significance. Engaging in targeted exercise during adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer provides short-term benefits in reducing fatigue and maintaining physical function. However, our 5-year follow-up indicates that these effects are limited in the long term. This underscores the need to support breast cancer survivors maintain their PA levels throughout their survivorship journey.

HIIT at Home: Enhancing Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Older Adults-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a 6-month home-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention to improve peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2peak) and lactate threshold (LT) in older adults. METHODS: Two hundred thirty-three healthy older adults (60-84 years; 54% females) were randomly assigned to either 6-month, thrice-weekly home-based HIIT (once-weekly circuit training and twice-weekly interval training) or a passive control group. Exercise sessions were monitored using a Polar watch and a logbook for objective and subjective data, respectively, and guided by a personal coach. The outcomes were assessed using a modified Balke protocol combining V̇O2peak and LT measures. General linear regression models assessed between-group differences in change and within-group changes for each outcome. RESULTS: There was a significant between-group difference in the pre-to-post change in V̇O2peak (difference: 1.8 [1.2; 2.3] mL/kg/min; exercise: +1.4 [1.0; 1.7] mL/kg/min [~5%]; control: -0.4 [-0.8; -0.0] mL/kg/min [approximately -1.5%]; effect size [ES]: 0.35). Compared with controls, the exercise group had lower blood lactate concentration (-0.7 [-0.9; -0.4] mmol/L, ES: 0.61), % of peak heart rate (-4.4 [-5.7; -3.0], ES: 0.64), and % of V̇O2peak (-4.5 [-6.1; -2.9], ES: 0.60) at the intensity corresponding to preintervention LT and achieved a higher treadmill stage (% incline) at LT (0.6 [0.3; 0.8]; ES: 0.47), following the intervention. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the effectiveness of a home-based HIIT intervention as an accessible and equipment-minimal strategy to induce clinically meaningful improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults. Over 6 months, the exercise group showed larger improvements in all outcomes compared with the control group. Notably, the LT outcome exhibited a more pronounced magnitude of change than V̇O2peak.

Effects of high-intensity intermittent exercise on glucose and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on glycolipid metabolism among type 2 diabetes patients. Methods: HIIT is consistent with an exercise program (65%-90%VO2max or 75%-95% HRmax; exercise cycle≥2 weeks; frequency ≥ 2 times/week). A meta-analysis was conducted utilizing the random effects model to synthesize the data. Results: A total of 22 RCT studies with 1034 diabetic patients were included. Compared to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or conventional controls, HIIT yields noteworthy effects on FBG (MD: -0.55; 95% CI: -0.85- -0.25, Hedges' g =0.98), 2h-PG (MD: -0.36; 95% CI: -0.57- -0.14, Hedges' g =1.05), FINS (MD: -0.41; 95% CI: -0.79- -0.03, Hedges' g =1.07), HbA1c (MD: -0.60; 95% CI: -0.84- -0.36, Hedges' g =2.69), TC (MD: -0.58; 95% CI: -0.80- -0.36, Hedges' g =2.36), TG (MD: -0.50; 95% CI: -0.86- -0.14, Hedges' g =1.50), HDL (MD: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.29-0.95, Hedges' g =1.19) and LDL (MD: -0.31; 95% CI: -0.56- -0.08, Hedges' g =0.91), all of the above p<0.01. Conclusions: HIIT has been shown to improve glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes, especially in HbA1c, TC, TG, and HDL. For patients between the ages of 40 and 60 with less than 5 years of disease, exercise programs of moderate to longer duration or moderate to high intensity will produce more favorable results.

Effects of different HIIT protocols on exercise performance, metabolic adaptation, and fat loss in middle-aged and older adults with overweight.

Introduction: There is evidence that aging and obesity are associated with increased oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) may be superior to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity benefits. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine which HIIT prescriptions will be more effective in reducing fat accumulation, inflammation, and improving metabolic adaptation and exercise performance in middle-aged and older overweight adults. Methods: Thirty-six middle-aged with overweight adults were divided into one of three groups: 1. L-HIIT group: the long-interval HIIT group (4 × 4 min Exercise/4 min Rest), 2. M-HIIT group: the medium-interval HIIT group (8 × 2 min Exercise/2 min Rest), 3. Control group: no exercise training intervention. All groups underwent the training stage for eight weeks (three sessions per week), followed by a detraining stage of four weeks in order to investigate the effects induced by different HIIT interventions on inflammation, metabolic adaptation, anti-fatigue and exercise performance, and fat loss Results: There was a significant physiological response in the change rate of heart rate (HR) after an acute L-HIIT session compared with an acute M-HIIT session (ΔHR: ↑49.66±16.09% vs ↑33.22±14.37%, p=0.02); furthermore, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreased significantly following a single L-HIIT session. After an eight-week training stage, the L-HIIT and M-HIIT groups exhibited a significant increase in aerobic capacity (ΔVO2peak), with values of +27.93±16.79% (p<0.001) and +18.39±8.12% (p<0.001), respectively, in comparison to the control group. Furthermore, in the L-HIIT group, the anaerobic power of relative mean power (RMP) exhibited a significant increase (p=0.019). However, following a four-week detraining stage, the adiponectin concentration remained 1.78 times higher in the L-HIIT group than in the control group (p=0.033). The results of blood sugar, blood lipids, body composition, and inflammatory markers did not indicate any improved it did not indicate any improvements from the two different HIIT protocols. Conclusions: The results indicate that an eight-week L-HIIT or M-HIIT intervention (three sessions per week, 32 minutes per session) may be an effective approach for improving aerobic capacity. It can be posited that L-HIIT may be a more advantageous mode than M-HIIT for enhancing anaerobic power, adipokine levels, and improving blood pressure in an aged and overweight population due to the induced physiological responses.

Effects of ß-Alanine Supplementation on Subjects Performing High-Intensity Functional Training.

BACKGROUND: ß-alanine, a non-essential amino acid found in the diet and produced through nucleotide catabolism, is significant for muscle performance due to its role in carnosine synthesis. This study aims to assess the impact of a 4-week ß-alanine supplementation on neuromuscular fatigue in individuals engaging in High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) and its subsequent effect on sports performance, distinguishing between central fatigue from the CNS and peripheral fatigue from the muscular system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study (a randomized controlled trial) comprised a total of 27 subjects, who were divided into two groups. Group A (the control group) was administered sucrose powder, while Group B (the experimental group) was given ß-alanine powder. The subjects were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control groups. This study lasted four weeks, during which both groups participated in high-intensity interval training (HIFT) on the first day to induce fatigue and work close to their VO2 max. RESULTS: Statistically significant changes were in the sports performance variables, specifically vertical jump and jumping power (p = 0.027). These changes were observed only in the group that had been supplemented with ß-alanine. Nevertheless, no alterations were observed in any other variables, including fatigue, metabolic intensity of exercise, or perceived intensity (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A four-week ß-alanine intake program demonstrated an improvement in the capacity of subjects, as evidenced by enhanced vertical jump and power performance. Nevertheless, it does result in discernible alterations in performance.

Acute Response of Different High-Intensity Interval Training Protocols on Cardiac Auto-Regulation Using Wearable Device.

The purpose of this study was to compare different high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols with different lengths of work and rest times for a single session (all three had identical work-to-rest ratios and exercise intensities) for cardiac auto-regulation using a wearable device. With a randomized counter-balanced crossover, 13 physically active young male adults (age: 19.4 years, BMI: 21.9 kg/m2) were included. The HIIT included a warm-up of at least 5 min and three protocols of 10 s/50 s (20 sets), 20 s/100 s (10 sets), and 40 s/200 s (5 sets), with intensities ranging from 115 to 130% Wattmax. Cardiac auto-regulation was measured using a non-invasive method and a wearable device, including HRV and vascular function. Immediately after the HIIT session, the 40 s/200 s protocol produced the most intense stimulation in R-R interval (Δ-33.5%), ln low-frequency domain (Δ-42.6%), ln high-frequency domain (Δ-73.4%), and ln LF/HF ratio (Δ416.7%, all p < 0.05) compared to other protocols of 10 s/50 s and 20 s/100 s. The post-exercise hypotension in the bilateral ankle area was observed in the 40 s/200 s protocol only at 5 min after HIIT (right: Δ-12.2%, left: Δ-12.6%, all p < 0.05). This study confirmed that a longer work time might be more effective in stimulating cardiac auto-regulation using a wearable device, despite identical work-to-rest ratios and exercise intensity. Additional studies with 24 h measurements of cardiac autoregulation using wearable devices in response to various HIIT protocols are warranted.

Comparative effects of lifelong moderate-intensity continuous training and high-intensity interval training on blood lipid levels and mental well-being in naturally ageing mice.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the impact of lifelong exercise, including both moderate-intensity continuous training and high-intensity interval training, on blood lipid levels and mental behaviour in naturally ageing mice to identify effective exercise strategies for ageing-related health issues. METHODS: Six-week-old male BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to one of four groups: young control (YC), natural ageing control (OC), lifelong moderate-intensity continuous exercise (EM), and lifelong high-intensity interval exercise (EH) groups. The EM group was trained at a speed corresponding to 70 % of the maximum running speed, while the EH group was trained at a running speed alternating between 50 % of the maximum running speed, 70 % of the maximum running speed, and 90 % of the maximum running speed. All exercise sessions were conducted three times per week, with each session lasting 50 min. Behavioural tests and blood sample collection were conducted at 72 weeks of age. RESULTS: Ageing in mice led to changes in muscle and fat mass. Both the EM and EH groups showed greater muscle mass and lower fat mass than did the OC group. Ageing was associated with elevated anxiety (fewer open arm entries, time spent in the central region) and depression (lower sucrose preference) indicators. However, these changes were reversed in both exercise groups, with no differences between the two exercise groups. Blood lipid levels, including total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and free fatty acid (FFA) levels, were greater in the OC group than in the YC group. Additionally, the OC group exhibited lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. However, both the EM and EH groups exhibited improved lipid profiles compared to those of the YC group. CONCLUSION: Lifelong exercise, whether moderate-intensity continuous or high-intensity interval training, can preserve body health during ageing, prevent anxiety and depression, and maintain stable blood lipid levels. Both exercise types are equally effective, suggesting that exercise intensity may not be the critical factor underlying these beneficial adaptations.

Effects of high-intensity interval training on subjective sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: A secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to verify the effect of 12 weeks of HIIT on the perceived sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). For this, a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, including 36 adults with moderate-severe OSA (19 males; 52.2 ± 9.8 years; body mass index = 34.2 ± 5.8; AHI = 42.0 ± 22.9 e/h) was performed. Participants were randomly assigned to HIIT [5 periods of 4 min of walking or running on a treadmill at 90-95 % of maximum heart rate (HRmax) interspersed with 3 min of walking at 50-55 % of HRmax performed three times per week for 12 weeks] or a control group (CG; stretching exercises performed two times per week for 12 weeks). Specific domains of subjective sleep quality and EDS were assessed at baseline and post 12 weeks. Generalized estimated equation were used to verify between groups and times differences. There were no group × time interactions for the domains sleep duration (0.416), sleep efficiency (0.198), sleep disturbance (0.523), and sleep medications (0.915). However, significant group × time interactions were observed for global sleep score (0.022), and for the domains sleep quality (0.001), sleep latency (0.029), and daytime dysfunction (0.012). In addition, there was a significant group × time interaction for EDS (HIIT = -3.4 ± 0.9; CG change = -1.0 ± 1.0; p = 0.023). Thus, in patients with OSA, 12 weeks of HIIT improves perceived sleep quality and daytime sleepiness.

High-intensity interval training is feasible, credible and clinically effective in the early subacute stroke stage in the low-income country of Benin.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to benefit stroke patients when implemented three months post-stroke. This study examined HIIT's feasibility and clinical effectiveness in the early post-stroke stage in Benin. This was a prospective interventional study comprising an HIIT programme executed on a recumbent bike, three times/week, 20-30 min/session for 6 weeks, added to a conventional physiotherapy. The primary outcomes were feasibility, credibility and expectancy assessed with credibility and expectancy questionnaire. A maximal exercise test, 6-min walking test (6MWT), 10-m walking test (10mWT), Berg balance scale (BBS) and five repetitions sit-to-stand test (5 R-STS) were performed before and after the training programme. Ten outpatients, with a median age [P25-P75]: 63.5[56.7-71.2] years; time since stroke: 15.0[9.7-21.0] days, started and completed all training sessions without serious adverse events. High scores were observed on the Credibility subscale at admission (27.0[25.7-27.0]), which remained so after intervention (26.5[25.7-27.0]). Expectancy subscale scores were high at admission (25.5[24.0-27.0]) and post-training (25.5[24.5-27.0]). Peak workload (p < 0.001), BBS (p < 0.001), 6MWT (p < 0.001), 10mWT (p < 0.001) and 5 R-STS (p = 0.004) were all improved. HIIT is feasible and safe in the early subacute post-stroke stage and is perceived by patients as highly credible, meeting their expectations of recovery.

10-20-30 exercise training improves fitness and health.

Intense interval exercise training has been shown to improve performance and health of untrained and trained people. However, due to the exercise intensity causing high-perceived exertion, the participants often do not wish to continue the training. The 10-20-30 training concept consists of low intensity for 30 s, 20 s at a moderate pace, and then 10 s with high intensity either running or cycling. A 10-20-30 training session consist of two to four 5-min blocks. The 10-20-30 training improved fitness and performance as well as lowered blood pressure and body fat of both untrained and trained individuals even with a significant reduction in the training volume. Similarly, hypertensive, diabetic, and asthmatic patients lowered body fat, improved fitness, and performance during a 10-20-30-training intervention period. In addition, hypertensive patients reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure markedly with the 10-20-30 training twice a week for 8 weeks. Diabetic patients lowered long-term blood sugar (HbA1c), which did not occur with moderate-intensity exercise training. Furthermore, asthmatic patients improved their control of asthma and asthma-related quality of life with the 10-20-30 training. The adherence for the patient groups was high (>80%), and no adverse events were reported. Thus, the 10-20-30 training seems to be time efficient and feasible for untrained and trained individuals as well as patients and may be used in the prevention and treatment of noncommunicable diseases.

Physiological and performance adaptations to beta alanine supplementation and short sprint interval training in volleyball players.

This study aimed to elucidate the impact of combining Beta-Alanine (BA) supplementation with short sprint interval training on cardiorespiratory fitness, anaerobic power, and bio-motor abilities in volleyball players. Twenty young male athletes were randomly divided into 2 equal groups and performed 8 weeks of short sprint interval training while supplementing 4.8 g daily BA or placebo (polydextrose). The players were evaluated for volleyball-specific bio-motor abilities (vertical jump, horizontal jump, spike jump, block jump, 10-m linear sprint, and T-test change of direction speed) and physiological parameters (cardiorespiratory fitness and anaerobic power) pre- and post-intervention. Both groups demonstrated significant (p ≤ 0.05) improvements in all measured variables over time. A time-regimen interaction was observed in jumping ability enhancement from pre- to post-training, wherein BA elicited more significant changes in both vertical and horizontal jumps compared to the placebo. Analyzing residuals in changes and the coefficient of variations (CV) in mean group changes demonstrated that BA supplementation results in uniformly inducing adaptive changes among individuals. Therefore, in light of these results, it is recommended that coaches and trainers take into consideration the utilization of BA as an ergogenic aid to enhance the vertical and horizontal jumps of volleyball players and increase the homogeneity in adaptive responses over the training period.

Blood pressure and heart rate variability to assess autonomic response to an acute bout of high intensity interval exercise in healthy young adults.

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity causes acute variations in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). These systems are challenged during high intensity interval exercise (HIIE). However, BP variability (BPV) and HR variability (HRV) response to HIIE is unknown. We characterized BPV and HRV during an acute HIIE bout using spectral low frequency [LF] and high frequency [HF] domains. We hypothesized that BPV would increase and HRV would decrease during high-intensity and active-recovery of HIIE compared to baseline [BL] and BPV would reduce and HRV would increase during cool down, post-HIIE, and 30 min post-HIIE compared to BL. HIIE involved 10 min of alternating high-intensity and active-recovery (approximately 70% and 10% of Wattmax) on a recumbent stepper. We did a secondary analysis on 23 datasets. The participants were 25 ± 1.5 years, 48% females. Our results showed high-intensity BPV LF was not significantly different from BL while HF increased. HRV LF and HF decreased compared to BL. During active-recovery, LF and HF for BPV and HRV increased greater than high-intensity. HRV LF and HF returned to BL after 30 min of recovery, whereas BPV HF was higher compared to BL. The rapid switching during HIIE uniquely modulates cardiovascular and ANS.

The effects of high-intensity interval training/moderate-intensity continuous training on the inhibition of fat accumulation in rats fed a high-fat diet during training and detraining.

BACKGROUND: Compared with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has at least a comparable effect on inhibiting an increase in fat. However, few studies have been conducted to examine the effects of detraining on body fat in rats fed a high-fat diet. The present study aimed to compare the effects of 10 weeks of HIIT or MICT as well as 6 weeks of detraining on body fat in rats fed a high-fat diet. METHODS: After being fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks, 54 female rats were randomly assigned to six groups: (1) CON-10, sedentary control for 10 weeks; (2) MICT-10, 10 weeks of MICT; (3) HIIT-10, 10 weeks of HIIT; (4) CON-16, sedentary control for 16 weeks; (5) MICT-16, 10 weeks of MICT followed by 6 weeks of training cessation; and (6) HIIT-16, 10 weeks of HIIT followed by 6 weeks of training cessation. The training was performed 5 days/week. The subcutaneous adipose tissue (inguinal; SCAT), visceral adipose tissue (periuterine; VAT) and serum lipid profile were analysed after 10 or 16 weeks. Adipose tissue triglyceride lipase (ATGL) protein expression in VAT was assessed by western blotting. RESULTS: HIIT-10 and MICT-10 prevented the increase in SCAT, VAT and serum lipid levels seen in the CON group. During the 6-week detraining period, HIIT continued to prevent the increase in adipose tissue mass observed in the CON group, whereas MICT at least maintained this inhibition. The inhibition of fat mass increase was mainly the result of preventing adipocyte hypertrophy. The HIIT-10 and HIIT-16 groups showed the highest ATGL protein expression. CONCLUSIONS: HIIT has a comparable effect to MICT on inhibiting fat accumulation in female rats; however, the inhibition of SCAT and VAT increase by HIIT is superior to MICT after short-term training cessation.

Comparative effects of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on weight and metabolic health in college students with obesity.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) on weight, body composition, blood lipid indicators, and metabolic status in college students living with obesity. The study focused on a sample of 40 college students living with obesity, including 20 males and 20 females, aged between 18 and 25. Participants were randomly assigned to either the HIIT group or the MICT group. Both groups underwent an 8-week intervention, consisting of three sessions per week with alternate-day training. The MICT group's training consisted of continuous aerobic exercise for 35 min at 60-70% of maximum heart rate. The HIIT group engaged in 28 min of alternating high-intensity and low-intensity exercise, where the high-intensity phase was at 85-90% of maximum heart rate for 4 min, followed by a 3-min recovery period at 50-60% of maximum heart rate, repeated four times. Both groups underwent heart rate monitoring before and after the training sessions to ensure the accuracy of the training intensity. Within each group, further distinctions were made based on gender, resulting in the following subgroups: Male HIIT group (n = 10), Female HIIT group (n = 10), Male MICT group (n = 10), and Female MICT group (n = 10). Differences in anthropometric and biochemical indicators among the groups were analyzed, and the different effects of the two intervention strategies on the obese college student population were comprehensively evaluated. Compared to the baseline assessment, the HIIT group showed a more favorable declining trend than the MICT group in terms of body morphology and body composition, particularly in the aspect of body fat percentage (BF%). The male HIIT group, female HIIT group, male MICT group, and female MICT group respectively reduced by - 23.71%, - 26.76%, - 9.81%, - 7.16%. Male and female HIIT group experienced a more pronounced decrease compared to the MICT group, with the female HIIT group reducing an additional 3.75% more than the male HIIT group. Regarding intergroup differences, BF% significant differences were shown between male MICT group and the HIIT group (P < 0.05), and female MICT group and the HIIT group (P < 0.01). In terms of biochemical indicators, the HIIT group also presented a more favorable declining trend compared to the MICT group, with male HIIT participants showing more reduction than female HIIT participants, especially in total cholesterol (TC) (10.64%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (11.73%), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (11.99%), and uric acid (UA) (11.76%). Regarding triglycerides (TG), significant intergroup differences were observed between male MICT and HIIT groups (P < 0.01) and female MICT and HIIT groups (P < 0.01). Concerning ALT, a significant difference was shown between female MICT and HIIT groups (P < 0.01), while no significant difference was observed among male participants. Overall, for college students living with obesity, both HIIT and MICT have shown positive effects. Among these, HIIT demonstrates greater effectiveness compared to MICT in BF% and biochemical markers.