Entrenamiento interválico de alta intensidad contribuye a la normalización de la hipertensión arterial / Effects of high intensity interval training on blood pressure in hypertensive subjects

Background: Exercise training may reduce blood pressure. Aim: To determine the effects of a high intensity interval training (HIIT) exercise protocol on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. Material and Methods: Eleven men and 27 women aged 46.4 ± 9.8 years were divided in two groups according to their blood pressure. Sixteen were classified as normotensive and 22 as hypertensive. All attended an exercise program with 3 sessions per week for a total of 24 sessions. Each session consisted of one minute of intense exercise performed on a stationary bike, followed by an inactive pause lasting two minutes. This cycle was repeated 10 times and it was thus called 1 * 2 * 10. Blood pressure, weight (kg) and body fat were assessed. Results: In the hypertensive group, there was a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure from 145.4 ± 9.0 to 118.3 ± 15.6 mm Hg (p < 0.05). No significant change was observed in diastolic blood pressure (84.9 ± 3.9 and 85.8 ± 17.6 mmHg. Thus, there was a mean reduction in systolic pressure of 27. 7 ± 18.9 mmHg. Therefore, 73% of patients achieved systolic pressures within normal range, without medication. Conclusions: The 1 * 2 * 10 exercise method is effective to improve and restore normal blood pressure in persons with hypertension in a period of two months and 24 sessions.

Disminución de la grasa corporal mediante ejercicio físico intermitente de alta intensidad y consejería nutricional en sujetos con sobrepeso u obesidad / Effects of 12 sessions of high intensity intermittent training and nutrition counseling on body fat in obese and overweight participants

Background: The search of efficient exercise alternatives to treat obesity is worthwhile. Aim: To demonstrate the effect of high intensity intermittent exercise on body fat reduction in overweight and obese subjects. Material and Methods: A group of 65 overweight and obese adult subjects (25 men), aged 18-65 years, participated during 12 sessions in a high intensity physical exercise program, 3 days/week. Weight, height and body fat was measured before and after the intervention by bioimpedance. Each session consisted of 1 min stationary cycling exercise at high intensity, followed by 2 min inactive rest. This cycle was repeated 10 times, thus the method is called 1*2*10. Results: There was a significant reduction of body fat of -1.88 ± 2.8 and -3.44 ± 2.7 kg, in women and men, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The 1*2*10 training protocol lasting 12 weeks in association with nutrition counseling is effective in reducing body fat in overweight persons.

Ejercicio físico interválico de alta intensidad mejora el control glicémico y la capacidad aeróbica en pacientes con intolerancia a la glucosa / High intensity interval training improves glycemic control and aerobic capacity in glucose intolerant patients

Background: Proper exercise training modifies intra miocellular energy utilization, glucose transport and mitochondrial biogenesis. Aim: To determine the therapeutic effects of a high intensity intermittent training (HIIT) program on glucose homeostasis, physical fitness and body fat in glucose intolerant patients. Patients and Methods: Eighteen patients with overweight or obesity and glucose intolerance were invited to participate in an exercise program consisting in three sessions per week for 3 months. Ten participants aged 35 ± 13 years who attended > 26 of the planned 36 sessions, were considered as adherent to exercise. The other eight participants aged 37 ± 17 years, who attended to a mean of 13 sessions, were considered as non-adherent. Both groups had similar body weight, body mass index, body fat, plasma glucose 2 h after an oral glucose load and maximal oxygen uptake. All these variables were measured at the end of exercise intervention. Each session consisted of 1 min exercise of cycling at maximal intensity until muscle fatigue followed by 2 min rest, repeated 10 times. Results: Among adherent participants, twelve weeks of HIIT improved signifcantly maximal oxygen uptake (6.1 + 3.6 mL/kg/min or 24.6%), reduced 2 h post load blood glucose (-33.7 + 47.9 mg/dL or -12.5%) and body fat (-4.3 + 5.6 kg). No signifcant changes were observed in the non-adherent group. Conclusions: HIIT exercise reduces blood glucose after an oral load in glucose intolerant patients.