Cardiovascular Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MCT)

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.