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The Health Outcomes of High-Intensity Interval Exercise and Training

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2023) | Viewed by 29123

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Dr. Olivier Dupuy

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Guest Editor

Laboraoire MOVE (EA 6314), Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France
Interests: sport; physical activity; health; well-being; human factors of performance; training; recovery; cerebral oxygenation; cognition; cardiac autonomic control

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past decades, considerable knowledge has accumulated on the importance of physical activity as a first-line treatment for several chronic diseases. Indeed, physical exercise represents a cornerstone of the primary and secondary prevention of several metabolic or cardiovascular diseases, such as diabetes mellitus or coronary heart disease. Therefore, physical exercise can be considered a positive factor in our health, thereby reducing the risk of death.

Many physical training methods have been evaluated in the scientific literature, and aerobic-type training has often received special attention. In order to optimize training methods and be more and more efficient, high-intensity intermittent training has been given special attention to verify its safety and effectiveness by being an alternative to continuous classic endurance training.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is considered an exercise characterized by short periods of vigorous activity, interspersed with periods of rest or low-intensity exercise for recovery. HIIT can be regarded as a powerful stimulant to induce physiological and metabolic changes similar or even greater to traditional endurance training despite a significantly lower total volume of exercise and duration of training.

This special issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health focuses on the current state of knowledge on the links between high-intensity intermittent exercise or training and human health. New research papers, journals, and case reports are welcome. For this volume, we are seeking articles evaluating the effect of exercise (acute effect) or high-intensity interval training (chronic effect) on brain, metabolic or cardiovascular health in children, adults, or the elderly with or without chronic pathologies.

Dr. Olivier Dupuy
Guest Editor

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Keywords

high-intensity intermittent exercise
high-intensity intermittent training
cardiovascular health
cerebral health
metabolic health

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Remote, Whole-Body Interval Training Improves Muscular Endurance and Cardiac Autonomic Control in Young Adults

by Patricia Concepción García-Suárez, Ermilo Canton-Martínez, Iván Rentería, Barbara Moura Antunes, Juan Pablo Machado-Parra, Jorge Alberto Aburto-Corona, Luis Mario Gómez-Miranda and Alberto Jiménez-Maldonado

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 13897; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192113897 - 26 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1421

Abstract

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an exercise modality acknowledged to maintain physical fitness with more engagement in an active lifestyle compared with other traditional exercise models. Nevertheless, its effects on cardiac control and physical performance in an online-guided setting are not yet clarified. The present work assessed physical fitness and heart rate variability (HRV) before and after an online, home-based HIIT program in college-age students while pandemic lockdowns were in effect. Twenty university students (age: 21.9 ± 2.4 years.) that were solely enrolled in online classes were distributed into three groups: control—CON-(n = 6), 14 min of HIIT—HIIT-14-(n = 8), and 21 min of HIIT—HIIT-21-(n = 6). A maximal push-up test was employed to assess muscular endurance and performance, and resting HRV signals were collected with wireless heart rate monitors and were processed in Kubios HRV Std. (Kubios Oy, Finland). There was an increase in total push-up capacity compared to CON (p < 0.05 HIIT-21 vs. CON; p < 0.001 HIIT-14 vs. CON) after 8 weeks. A significant interaction was observed in high-frequency and low-frequency spectra ratios after the HIIT-21 intervention (p < 0.05). The current work demonstrated that either short- or mid-volume online, whole-body HIIT improves muscle strength, whereas mid-volume HIIT (HIIT-21) was the only intervention that developed a sympathovagal adaptation. This study showed promising results on muscular endurance and cardiac autonomic modulation through whole-body HIIT practice at home. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Outcomes of High-Intensity Interval Exercise and Training)

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10 pages, 5465 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Home-Based High-Intensity Interval Exercise Improves the Postprandial Glucose Response in Young Adults with Postprandial Hyperglycemia

by Yuto Nakayama, Kumiko Ono, Junya Okagawa, Junji Urabe, Ryoga Yamau and Akira Ishikawa

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4227; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19074227 - 01 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1724

Abstract

Postprandial hyperglycemia can be corrected by exercise; however, the effect of home-based high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), a new time-efficient exercise, on glycemic control is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of home-based HIIE on postprandial hyperglycemia. Twelve young adult males (mean age: 24.3 ± 2.3 y) with postprandial hyperglycemia that had not yet led to diabetes completed home-based HIIE, moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE), and control conditions on separate days, randomly. The intervention began 30 min after the start of a standardized meal intake, with 11 min of HIIE completed at maximal effort in the home-based HIIE condition, 30 min of running performed at 50% maximum oxygen uptake in the MICE condition, or 30 min of sitting at rest completed in the control condition. The participants sat at rest after each intervention for up to 120 min. Interstitial fluid glucose concentrations were measured using a continuous glucose monitoring system that scanned every 15 min for up to 2 h after the meal. The glucose concentrations after the meal were significantly lower in the home-based HIIE and MICE conditions than in the control condition (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the glucose concentrations between the home-based HIIE and MICE conditions. In conclusion, home-based HIIE was able to correct postprandial hyperglycemia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Outcomes of High-Intensity Interval Exercise and Training)

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14 pages, 3910 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Acute Sprint Interval Training on Cognitive Performance of Healthy Younger Adults

by Fabian Herold, Tom Behrendt, Caroline Meißner, Notger G. Müller and Lutz Schega

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 613; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19010613 - 05 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4153

Abstract

There is considerable evidence showing that an acute bout of physical exercises can improve cognitive performance, but the optimal exercise characteristics (e.g., exercise type and exercise intensity) remain elusive. In this regard, there is a gap in the literature to which extent sprint interval training (SIT) can enhance cognitive performance. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of a time-efficient SIT, termed as “shortened-sprint reduced-exertion high-intensity interval training” (SSREHIT), on cognitive performance. Nineteen healthy adults aged 20–28 years were enrolled and assessed for attentional performance (via the d2 test), working memory performance (via Digit Span Forward/Backward), and peripheral blood lactate concentration immediately before and 10 min after an SSREHIT and a cognitive engagement control condition (i.e., reading). We observed that SSREHIT can enhance specific aspects of attentional performance, as it improved the percent error rate (F%) in the d-2 test (t (18) = −2.249, p = 0.037, d = −0.516), which constitutes a qualitative measure of precision and thoroughness. However, SSREHIT did not change other measures of attentional or working memory performance. In addition, we observed that the exercise-induced increase in the peripheral blood lactate levels correlated with changes in attentional performance, i.e., the total number of responses (GZ) (r_m = 0.70, p < 0.001), objective measures of concentration (SKL) (r_m = 0.73, p < 0.001), and F% (r_m = −0.54, p = 0.015). The present study provides initial evidence that a single bout of SSREHIT can improve specific aspects of attentional performance and conforming evidence for a positive link between cognitive improvements and changes in peripheral blood lactate levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Outcomes of High-Intensity Interval Exercise and Training)

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17 pages, 1171 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Benefits on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of a High-Intensity Interval Training Program for a Half-Marathon in Recreational Middle-Aged Women Runners

by Jèssica B. Bonet, Casimiro Javierre, João Tiago Guimarães, Sandra Martins, David Rizo-Roca, Jorge Beleza, Ginés Viscor, Teresa Pagès, José Magalhães and Joan R. Torrella

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 498; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19010498 - 03 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2698

Abstract

(1) Background: half-marathon races are popular among recreational runners, with increases in participation among middle-aged and women. We aimed to determine the effects of two half-marathon training programs on hematological and biochemical markers in middle-aged female recreational runners; (2) Methods: ten women (40 [...] Read more.

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O₂max, and another ten women followed high intensity interval training (HIIT) at 80%–100%

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O₂max, with less volume, and combined with eccentric loading exercise. Hematology, plasma osmolality, and plasma markers of metabolic status, muscle damage, inflammatory, and oxidative stress were measured before (S1) and after (S2) training and 24 h after the half-marathon (S3); (3) Results: both training programs had similar moderate effects at S2. However, the acute response at S3 induced different alterations. There was a greater decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride levels in MICT and reductions in markers of damage and inflammation in HIIT. Greater variability in some plasma markers at S3 in MICT suggests that there is inter-individual variability in the response to training; (4) Conclusions: HIIT led to better adaptation to the competition maybe because of the repeated exposure to higher oxygen consumption and eccentric loading exercise. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Outcomes of High-Intensity Interval Exercise and Training)

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11 pages, 936 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Affective and Enjoyment Responses to Sprint Interval Exercise at Different Hypoxia Levels

by Zhaowei Kong, Mingzhu Hu, Shengyan Sun, Liye Zou, Qingde Shi, Yubo Jiao and Jinlei Nie

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 8171; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18158171 - 02 Aug 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2164

Abstract

Benefits of performing sprint interval training (SIT) under hypoxic conditions on improving cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition have been well-documented, yet data is still lacking regarding affective responses to SIT under hypoxia. This study aimed to compare affective responses to SIT exercise under different oxygen conditions. Nineteen active males participated in three sessions of acute SIT exercise (20 repetitions of 6 s of all-out cycling bouts interspersed with 15 s of passive recovery) under conditions of normobaric normoxia (SL: PIO₂ 150 mmHg, FIO₂ 0.209), moderate hypoxia (MH: PIO₂ 117 mmHg, FIO₂ 0.154, simulating an altitude corresponding to 2500 m), and severe hypoxia (SH: PIO₂ 87 mmHg, FIO₂ 0.112, simulating an altitude of 5000 m) in a randomized order. Perceived exertions (RPE), affect, activation, and enjoyment responses were recorded before and immediately after each SIT session. There were no significant differences across the three conditions in RPE or the measurements of affective responses, despite a statistically lower SpO₂ (%) in severe hypoxia. Participants maintained a positive affect valence and reported increased activation in all the three SIT conditions. Additionally, participants experienced a medium level of enjoyment after exercise as indicated by the exercise enjoyment scale (EES) and physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES). These results indicated that performing short duration SIT exercise under severe hypoxia could be perceived as pleasurable and enjoyable as performing it under normoxia in active male population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Outcomes of High-Intensity Interval Exercise and Training)

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17 pages, 592 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High-Intensity Interval Exercise Performance and Short-Term Metabolic Responses to Overnight-Fasted Acute-Partial Sleep Deprivation

by Zacharias Papadakis, Jeffrey S. Forsse and Andreas Stamatis

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3655; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18073655 - 01 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2943

Abstract

People practicing high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) fasted during the morning hours under a lack of sleep. Such a habit may jeopardize the health benefits related to HIIE and adequate sleep. Fifteen habitually good sleeper males (age 31.1 ± 5.3 SD year) completed on a treadmill two isocaloric (500 kcal) HIIE sessions (3:2 min work:rest) averaged at 70% VO_2reserve after 9–9.5 h of reference sleep exercise (RSE) and after 3–3.5 h of acute-partial sleep deprivation exercise (SSE). Diet and sleep patterns were controlled both 1 week prior and 2 days leading up to RSE and SSE. HIIE related performance and substrate utilization data were obtained from the continuous analysis of respiratory gases. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with the baseline maximum oxygen uptake (VO_2max) and body fat percentage (BF%) as covariates at p < 0.05. No difference was observed in VO_2max, time to complete the HIIE, VE, RER, CHO%, and FAT% utilization during the experimental conditions. Whether attaining an adequate amount of sleep or not, the fasted HIIE performance and metabolism were not affected. We propose to practice the fasted HIIE under adequate sleep to receive the pleiotropic beneficial effects of sleep to the human body. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Outcomes of High-Intensity Interval Exercise and Training)

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Review

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17 pages, 803 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Utility of High Intensity Interval Training to Improve Cognitive Aging in Heart Disease Patients

by Jenna L. Taylor, Jill N. Barnes and Bruce D. Johnson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 16926; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192416926 - 16 Dec 2022

Viewed by 2531

Abstract

Adults with cardiovascular disease and heart failure are at higher risk of cognitive decline. Cerebral hypoperfusion appears to be a significant contributor, which can result from vascular dysfunction and impairment of cerebral blood flow regulation. In contrast, higher cardiorespiratory fitness shows protection against brain atrophy, reductions in cerebral blood flow, and cognitive decline. Given that high intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to be a potent stimulus for improving cardiorespiratory fitness and peripheral vascular function, its utility for improving cognitive aging is an important area of research. This article will review the physiology related to cerebral blood flow regulation and cognitive decline in adults with cardiovascular disease and heart failure, and how HIIT may provide a more optimal stimulus for improving cognitive aging in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Outcomes of High-Intensity Interval Exercise and Training)

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Other

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15 pages, 1163 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in Hypoxia Improves Maximal Aerobic Capacity More Than HIIT in Normoxia: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression

by Ailsa Westmacott, Nilihan E. M. Sanal-Hayes, Marie McLaughlin, Jacqueline L. Mair and Lawrence D. Hayes

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14261; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192114261 - 01 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2943

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) in hypoxia on maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) compared with HIIT in normoxia with a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA)-accordant meta-analysis and meta-regression. Studies which measured VO_2max following a minimum of 2 weeks intervention featuring HIIT in hypoxia versus HIIT in normoxia were included. From 119 originally identified titles, nine studies were included (n = 194 participants). Meta-analysis was conducted on change in (∆) VO_2max using standardised mean difference (SMD) and a random effects model. Meta-regression examined the relationship between the extent of environmental hypoxia (fractional inspired oxygen [FiO₂]) and ∆VO_2max and intervention duration and ∆VO_2max. The overall SMD for ∆VO_2max following HIIT in hypoxia was 1.14 (95% CI = 0.56–1.72; p < 0.001). Meta-regressions identified no significant relationship between FiO₂ (coefficient estimate = 0.074, p = 0.852) or intervention duration (coefficient estimate = 0.071, p = 0.423) and ∆VO_2max. In conclusion, HIIT in hypoxia improved VO_2max compared to HIIT in normoxia. Neither extent of hypoxia, nor training duration modified this effect, however the range in FiO₂ was small, which limits interpretation of this meta-regression. Moreover, training duration is not the only training variable known to influence ∆VO_2max, and does not appropriately capture total training stress or load. This meta-analysis provides pooled evidence that HIIT in hypoxia may be more efficacious at improving VO_2max than HIIT in normoxia. The application of these data suggest adding a hypoxic stimuli to a period of HIIT may be more effective at improving VO_2max than HIIT alone. Therefore, coaches and athletes with access to altitude (either natural or simulated) should consider implementing HIIT in hypoxia, rather than HIIT in normoxia where possible, assuming no negative side effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Outcomes of High-Intensity Interval Exercise and Training)

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28 pages, 1006 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effectiveness of Whole-Body High-Intensity Interval Training on Health-Related Fitness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Corentin Scoubeau, Bruno Bonnechère, Miriam Cnop, Vitalie Faoro and Malgorzata Klass

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9559; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19159559 - 03 Aug 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3601

Abstract

Due to its versatility, whole-body high-intensity interval training (WB-HIIT) can be proposed to the general population and patients to improve health-related fitness. However, its effectiveness compared to traditional aerobic continuous or interval trainings has yet to be determined. A search of four electronic databases was conducted. Studies reporting the effects of WB-HIIT on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), fat mass, fat-free mass, musculoskeletal fitness and metabolic risk factors were included. Standardized mean differences (SMD) between WB-HIIT and no exercise or traditional aerobic trainings were calculated. A meta-regression assessed the effect of total training time on the different outcomes. Twenty-two studies were included in the systematic review and nineteen in the meta-analysis. Compared to no exercise, WB-HIIT improves CRF (SMD: 0.75; 95%CI: 0.28, 1.23; p < 0.001), fat-free mass (SMD: 0.38; 95%CI: 0.11, 0.65; p < 0.001), fat mass (SMD: 0.40; 95%CI: 0.09, 0.72; p < 0.001) and musculoskeletal fitness (SMD: 0.84; 95%CI: 0.61, 1.08; p < 0.001). Compared to other aerobic trainings, WB-HIIT has a lower effect on CRF (SMD: −0.40; 95%CI: −0.70, −0.11; p = 0.007), a similar effect on fat-free mass (SMD: −0.04; 95%CI: −0.44, 0.35; p = 0.8) and fat mass (SMD: −0.07; 95%CI: −0.39, 0.25; p = 0.7), and a larger effect on musculoskeletal fitness (SMD: 0.42; 95%CI: 0.14, 0.71; p = 0.003). WB-HIIT overall effect and specific effect on CRF and fat mass were associated with total training time. The systematic review did not provide evidence of metabolic risk improvement. Despite a slightly lower effect on CRF, WB-HIIT is equally effective as traditional aerobic trainings to improve body composition and more effective to enhance musculoskeletal fitness, which is essential for execution of daily tasks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Outcomes of High-Intensity Interval Exercise and Training)

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14 pages, 655 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Acute Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review

by Gabriela de Oliveira Teles, Carini Silva da Silva, Vinicius Ramos Rezende and Ana Cristina Silva Rebelo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7049; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19127049 - 09 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3311

Abstract

This study evaluated the scientific evidence on the acute effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on biochemical, cardiovascular, and metabolic parameters in patients with diabetes mellitus. The research took place using two databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) with eligible studies conducted between 2010 and 2020, using the following keywords: (1) high-intensity training/exercise; (2) interval training/exercise; (3) HIIT/exercise; AND “diabetes”. Data extraction was then performed on the eligible studies through content analysis using the categories: author and year of publication; sample characteristics; methods and data collected; intervention protocol; and results found. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Fourteen studies were included, evaluating 168 people with diabetes (122/46 type 2/1) and 42 normoglycemic individuals, which evaluated markers such as capillary and fasting blood glucose, 24-h blood glucose profile, postprandial blood glucose, incidence, and prevalence of hyperglycemia, vascular function and pressure response and control of inflammatory markers. Physical exercise was found to have several acute beneficial effects on the health of the diabetic population, such as reduced capillary and postprandial blood glucose, blood glucose profile, and blood pressure. Moreover, HIIT seems to be a safe and effective alternative in glycemic control and associated factors, superior to continuous moderate-intensity training. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Outcomes of High-Intensity Interval Exercise and Training)

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