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Cardiovascular Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Healthy Sedentary Adults With BP <140/90
Interventions
Behavioral: High-Intensity Interval Training
Behavioral: Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training
Registration Number
NCT03602170
Lead Sponsor
University of Delaware
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in comparison to moderate-intensity continuous training (MCT) on blood pressure, blood vessel function, and blood pressure reactivity.

Detailed Description

It is estimated that one-third of the adult population in the United States has blood pressure values that are classified as prehypertension. This slight elevation in blood pressure has been shown to result in an increased risk for developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC7) recommends lifestyle modifications for individuals classified as prehypertensive. One lifestyle modification suggested by JNC7 is regular physical activity. Aerobic exercise, like moderate-intensity continuous training (MCT), has been shown to improve blood pressure, blood vessel function, and arterial stiffness in those with prehypertension. However, a major barrier to exercise adherence is the time commitment required. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), which requires individuals to work at higher intensities for shorter durations, may offer an alternative training design that would reduce the time commitment. Previous studies have shown HIIT to be equal to or better at improving cardiorespiratory fitness and blood vessel function in multiple populations. Limited information is present on HIIT training in those with prehypertension. In this study, participants will be randomized into one of the two training program designs mentioned above (MCT or HIIT). Both programs will be completed over an 8-week period (3 sessions per week) and each training session will be supervised. Participants will complete testing visits before and after the training program to collect measures of cardiovascular health (exercise capacity, blood pressure, blood vessel function, and blood pressure reactivity). The goal is to compare the effects of the training programs on these measures of cardiovascular health.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
20
Inclusion Criteria
  • Blood Pressure less than 140/90 mmHg
  • Sedentary
Exclusion Criteria
  • Known or major signs/symptoms of cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, or metabolic disease
  • Cancer
  • Use of antihypertensive medication
  • Current tobacco use
  • BMI (body mass index) less than 30 kg/m2
  • Postmenopausal
  • Current pregnancy
  • Current hormone replacement therapy
  • Participating in regular aerobic exercise at least three times a week for 30 minutes at a moderate intensity for the past 3 months or more
  • Not able to regularly exercise for any reason

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
High-Intensity Interval TrainingHigh-Intensity Interval Training8 weeks of high-intensity interval training. Three sessions per week will be performed (24 total sessions).
Moderate-Intensity Continuous TrainingModerate-Intensity Continuous Training8 weeks of moderate-intensity continuous training. Three sessions per week will be performed (24 total sessions).
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Blood PressureChange from baseline resting blood pressure at 8 weeks

Resting blood pressures measuring by automated oscillometric device

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Pulse Wave AnalysisChange from baseline central blood pressure measures at 8 weeks

Central blood pressure measures assessed by radial tonometry

Arterial stiffnessChange from baseline pulse wave velocity measures at 8 weeks

Pulse wave velocity measures (carotid to femoral and femoral to distal) assessed by applanation tonometry

Peak Aerobic CapacityChange from baseline VO2peak at 8 weeks

Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak/max) during incremental cycling exercise until exhaustion

24-Hour Ambulatory Blood PressureChange from baseline 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure at 8 weeks

24 hours of continuous ambulatory blood pressure monitoring by oscillometric device

Endothelial FunctionChange from baseline endothelial function at 8 weeks

Assessed by brachial artery flow mediated dilation and change in blood in femoral artery in response to passive limb movement

Blood Pressure ReactivityChange from baseline blood pressure reactivity at 8 weeks

Blood pressure response to graded exercise test and handgrip exercise

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware

🇺🇸

Newark, Delaware, United States

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