High-Intensity Interval Circuit Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Middle-Aged and Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has similar or better effects than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in increasing peak oxygen consumption (VO2max), however, it has not been studied when HIIT is applied in a circuit (HIICT). The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a HIICT versus MICT on VO2max estimated (VO2max-ES), heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) of middle-aged and older women. A quasi-experimental randomized controlled trial was used. Fifty-four women (67.8 ± 6.2 years) were randomized to either HIICT (n = 18), MICT (n = 18) or non-exercise control group (CG; n = 18) for 18 weeks. Participants in HIICT and MICT trained two days/week (one hour/session). Forty-one participants were assessed (HIICT; n = 17, MICT; n = 12, CG; n = 12). Five adverse events were reported. Cardiorespiratory fitness, HR and BP were measured. The tests were performed before and after the exercise intervention programs. VO2max-ES showed significant training x group interaction, in which HIICT and MICT were statistically superior to CG. Moreover, HIICT and MICT were statistically better than CG in the diastolic blood pressure after exercise (DBPex) interaction. For the systolic blood pressure after exercise (SBPex), HIICT was statistically better than CG. In conclusion, both HIICT and MICT generated adaptations in VO2max-ES and DBPex. Furthermore, only HIICT generated positive effects on the SBPex. Therefore, both training methods can be considered for use in exercise programs involving middle-aged and older women.

High-Intensity Interval Circuit Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Functional Ability and Body Mass Index in Middle-Aged and Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The literature suggests that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is more effective than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) to improve functional ability. However, there is no evidence on including HIIT in a circuit programme (HIICT). Our objective was to determine what type of training (HIICT or MICT) induces greater adaptations in the functional ability and body mass index of middle-aged and older women. The study used a quasi-experimental randomized controlled trial with 54 participants (age = 67.8 ± 6.2 years). Participants were randomly allocated to HIICT (n = 18), MICT (n = 18) or a non-exercise control group (CG; n = 18). The participants in the HIICT or MICT groups trained twice a week (1 h/session) for 18 weeks. Forty-one subjects were analysed (HIICT; n = 17, MICT; n = 12, CG; n = 12). Five subjects presented adverse events during the study. Strength, gait, cardiorespiratory fitness, balance and body mass index were measured. A significant training x group interaction was found in the arm curl test, where HIICT was statistically better than MICT and CG. Likewise, HIICT was statistically better than the CG in the BMI interaction. In lower limb strength, gait/dynamic balance and cardiorespiratory fitness, both HIICT and MICT were statistically better than the CG. In conclusion, HIICT generated better adaptations in upper limb strength than MICT. Likewise, HIICT generated better adaptations in body mass index than CG. Finally, both HIICT and MICT had a similar influence on strength, cardiorespiratory fitness and gait/dynamic balance.

Dosis de ejercicio interválico de alta intensidad en la rehabilitación cardiaca de la insuficiencia cardiaca y la enfermedad arterial coronaria: revisión sistemática y metanálisis / High-intensity interval training dosage for heart failure and coronary artery disease cardiac rehabilitation. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introducción y objetivos: Se ha propuesto el ejercicio interválico de alta intensidad (EIAI) en programas de rehabilitación cardiaca para mejorar el VO2máx. Sin embargo, no se conoce cuál es el mejor protocolo EIAI. El objetivo es encontrar la mejor dosis de EIAI para optimizar el VO2máx de pacientes con enfermedad arterial coronaria (EAC) e insuficiencia cardiaca (IC). Método: Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda en 6 bases de datos (MEDLINE, Web of Science, LILACS, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete y SportDiscus). Se incluyeron los estudios que usaban el protocolo EIAI y midieron el VO2máx de pacientes con EAC e IC. Se utilizó la escala PEDro y las herramientas de la Colaboración Cochrane. Resultados: El análisis mostró mejoras significativas en el VO2máx tras el EIAI en ambas enfermedades (p = 0,000001), con mayor incremento en los pacientes con IC (p = 0,03). Sin embargo, en estos no hubo mejora si la intensidad de recuperación era ≤ 40% del VO2máx (p = 0,19) o la frecuencia de entrenamiento era ≤ 2 días/semana (p = 0,07). Hubo diferencias significativas según la duración entre los pacientes con EAC, que mostraron resultados superiores cuando era < 12 semanas (p = 0,05). Los pacientes con IC no mostraron mejoras significativas en el VO2máx cuando la duración era < 12 semanas (p = 0,1). Conclusiones: El EIAI es un método efectivo para mejorar el VO2máx de los pacientes con IC o EAC, con mayor diferencia significativa en los pacientes con IC. Los intervalos de recuperación de los pacientes con IC deben ser activos y estar en un 40-60% del VO2máx. La frecuencia de entrenamiento debería ser ≥ 2 días/semana en la EAC y ≥ 3 días/semana en la IC

Introduction and objectives: High-interval intensity training (HIT) has been suggested to improve peak VO2 in cardiac rehabilitation programs. However, the optimal HIT protocol is unknown. The objective of this study was to identify the most effective doses of HIT to optimize peak VO2 in coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF) patients. Methods: A search was conducted in 6 databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, LILACS, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, and SportDiscus). Studies using a HIT protocol in CAD or HF patients and measuring peak VO2 were included. The PEDro Scale and Cochrane Collaboration tools were used. Results: Analyses reported significant improvements in peak VO2 after HIT in both diseases (P = .000001), with a higher increase in HF patients (P = .03). Nevertheless, in HF patients, there were no improvements when the intensity recovery was ≤ 40% of peak VO2 (P = .19) and the frequency of training was ≤ 2 d/wk (P = .07). There were significant differences regarding duration in CAD patients, with greater improvements in peak VO2 when the duration was < 12 weeks (P = .05). In HF, programs lasting < 12 weeks did not significantly improve peak VO2 (P = .1). Conclusions: The HIT is an effective method for improving peak VO2 in HF and CAD, with a significantly greater increase in HF patients. The recovery intervals should be active and be between 40% and 60% of peak VO2 in HF patients. Training frequency should be ≥ 2 d/wk for CAD patients and ≥ 3 d/wk for HF patients

High-intensity Interval Training Dosage for Heart Failure and Coronary Artery Disease Cardiac Rehabilitation. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: High-interval intensity training (HIT) has been suggested to improve peak VO2 in cardiac rehabilitation programs. However, the optimal HIT protocol is unknown. The objective of this study was to identify the most effective doses of HIT to optimize peak VO2 in coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF) patients. METHODS: A search was conducted in 6 databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, LILACS, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, and SportDiscus). Studies using a HIT protocol in CAD or HF patients and measuring peak VO2 were included. The PEDro Scale and Cochrane Collaboration tools were used. RESULTS: Analyses reported significant improvements in peak VO2 after HIT in both diseases (P = .000001), with a higher increase in HF patients (P = .03). Nevertheless, in HF patients, there were no improvements when the intensity recovery was ≤ 40% of peak VO2 (P = .19) and the frequency of training was ≤ 2 d/wk (P = .07). There were significant differences regarding duration in CAD patients, with greater improvements in peak VO2 when the duration was < 12 weeks (P = .05). In HF, programs lasting < 12 weeks did not significantly improve peak VO2 (P = .1). CONCLUSIONS: The HIT is an effective method for improving peak VO2 in HF and CAD, with a significantly greater increase in HF patients. The recovery intervals should be active and be between 40% and 60% of peak VO2 in HF patients. Training frequency should be ≥ 2 d/wk for CAD patients and ≥ 3 d/wk for HF patients.

Pilates vs. muscular training in older women. Effects in functional factors and the cognitive interaction: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The goal was to analyze the effect of two different training programs on functional autonomy, balance, and body composition in aged women and to determine the influence of their cognitive function. METHODS: Older women aged between 60 to 80 years old were invited to participate in the study. A block randomisation method was used to allocate participants to the Pilates group (PEP), the Muscular group (MEP) and the control group (CG) with equal sample sizes (n = 20). PEP or MEP were required to train twice a week (1 hour/session) in a moderate to vigorous intensity for 18 weeks. Functional autonomy was assessed with the GDLAM protocol. The cognitive function, withthe Mini-Mental State (MMS). Static balance, with a force platform (Kistler 9286AA). Body composition, with a dual-energy X-ray bone densitometry. Research staff performing the assessment and statistical analysis was blinded. RESULTS: Eighty participants were randomized, 16 women did not meet the inclusion criteria and 4 refused to participate. 60 participants were analysed. Either Pilates or Muscular group improved significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in every GDLAM test. Pilates had a better general functional condition index (IG) than the Muscular group (P = 0.042). There was a significant interaction (P ≤ 0.05) between the cognitive function and two items of the GDLAM test. The amplitude of displacement of the center of pressure in the antero-posterior plane decreased significantly in the Muscular group (P = 0.04). The total lean body increased in the Pilates (P =< .001) and the Muscular groups (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pilates should be recommended for improving the general functional condition of older women, while the Muscular exercise is effective for enhancing the static balance. Both exercise programs are effective for increasing the total lean body. The cognitive function interacts with some functional autonomy parameters Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT02506491; available from https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT02506491).