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Aerobic interval training reduces vascular resistances during submaximal exercise in obese metabolic syndrome individuals

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of high-intensity aerobic interval training (AIT) on exercise hemodynamics in metabolic syndrome (MetS) volunteers.

Methods

Thirty-eight, MetS participants were randomly assigned to a training (TRAIN) or to a non-training control (CONT) group. TRAIN consisted of stationary interval cycling alternating bouts at 70–90% of maximal heart rate during 45 min day−1 for 6 months.

Results

CONT maintained baseline physical activity and no changes in cardiovascular function or MetS factors were detected. In contrast, TRAIN increased cardiorespiratory fitness (14% in VO2PEAK; 95% CI 9–18%) and improved metabolic syndrome (−42% in Z score; 95% CI 83–1%). After TRAIN, the workload that elicited a VO2 of 1500 ml min−1 increased 15% (95% CI 5–25%; P < 0.001). After TRAIN when subjects pedaled at an identical submaximal rate of oxygen consumption, cardiac output increased by 8% (95% CI 4–11%; P < 0.01) and stroke volume by 10% (95% CI, 6–14%; P < 0.005) being above the CONT group values at that time point. TRAIN reduced submaximal exercise heart rate (109 ± 15–106 ± 13 beats min−1; P < 0.05), diastolic blood pressure (83 ± 8–75 ± 8 mmHg; P < 0.001) and systemic vascular resistances (P < 0.01) below CONT values. Double product was reduced only after TRAIN (18.2 ± 3.2–17.4 ± 2.4 bt min−1 mmHg 10−3; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The data suggest that intense aerobic interval training improves hemodynamics during submaximal exercise in MetS patients. Specifically, it reduces diastolic blood pressure, systemic vascular resistances, and the double product. The reduction in double product, suggests decreased myocardial oxygen demands which could prevent the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events during exercise in this population.

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier

NCT03019796.

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Abbreviations

BMI:

Body mass index

CVD:

Cardiovascular disease

CRF:

Cardiorespiratory fitness

DBP:

Diastolic blood pressure

DP:

Double product

GXT:

Graded exercise testing

MetS:

Metabolic syndrome

SBP:

Systolic blood pressure

W MAX :

Maximal power output

VO2PEAK :

Peak oxygen consumption rate

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Acknowledgements

This study was partially funded by a grant from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competivity (DEP-2014-52930-R).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Exercise Physiology Laboratory at Toledo, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071, Toledo, Spain

    Ricardo Mora-Rodriguez, F. Morales-Palomo, M. Ramirez-Jimenez & J. F. Ortega

  2. Physical Activity and Sports Department, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain

    V. E. Fernandez-Elias

  3. Human Performance and Sport Science Laboratory, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain

    J. G. Pallares

Authors
  1. Ricardo Mora-Rodriguez
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  2. V. E. Fernandez-Elias
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  3. F. Morales-Palomo
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  4. J. G. Pallares
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  5. M. Ramirez-Jimenez
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  6. J. F. Ortega
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Correspondence to Ricardo Mora-Rodriguez.

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The authors have no conflicts of interest.

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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

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Communicated by Carsten Lundby.

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Mora-Rodriguez, R., Fernandez-Elias, V.E., Morales-Palomo, F. et al. Aerobic interval training reduces vascular resistances during submaximal exercise in obese metabolic syndrome individuals. Eur J Appl Physiol 117, 2065–2073 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-017-3697-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-017-3697-7

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