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23-10-2024 | Original Article

Examining the acute cardiovagal consequences of supine recovery during high-intensity interval exercise

Authors: John P. Sasso, Kyla Coates, Liam Stewart, Jinelle Gelinas, Stephen P. Wright, Stephen Seiler, Robert Shave, Neil D. Eves

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology

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Abstract

Purpose

Exercise training requires the careful application of training dose to maximize adaptation while minimizing the risk of illness and injury. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a potent method for improving health and fitness but generates substantial autonomic imbalance. Assuming a supine posture between intervals is a novel strategy that could enhance physiological readiness and training adaptations. This study aimed to establish the safety and feasibility of supine recovery within a HIIT session and explore its acute effects.

Methods

Fifteen healthy, active males (18–34 years) underwent assessment of cardiopulmonary fitness. Participants completed two identical HIIT treadmill sessions (4 x [3 min at 95% VO2max, 3 min recovery]) employing passive recovery in standing (STANDard) or supine (SUPER) posture between intervals. Heart rate variability (HRV), HRV recovery (HRVrec; lnRMSSD) and heart rate recovery at 1 min (HRrec) were assessed using submaximal constant speed running tests (CST) completed prior to, immediately after and 24 h following HIIT.

Results

No severe adverse events occurred with SUPER, and compliance was similar between conditions (100 ± 0%). The change in HRVrec from the CST pre-to-post-HIIT was not different between conditions (p = 0.38); however, HRrec was faster following SUPER (39 ± 7 bpm) vs. STANDard (36 ± 5 bpm). HRV 24 h post-SUPER was also greater (3.56 ± 0.57 ms) compared to STANDard (3.37 ± 0.42 ms). Despite no differences in perceived exertion (p = 0.23) and blood lactate levels (p = 0.35) between SUPER and STANDard, average running HRs were lower (p = 0.04) with SUPER (174 ± 7 bpm) vs. STANDard (176 ± 7 bpm).

Conclusions

Supine recovery within HIIT attenuates acute cardioautonomic perturbation and accelerates post-exercise vagal reactivation. SUPER enhances recovery of vagal modulation, potentially improving physiological preparedness 24 h post-HIIT. Further research exploring the chronic effects of SUPER are now warranted.
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Metadata
Title
Examining the acute cardiovagal consequences of supine recovery during high-intensity interval exercise
Authors
John P. Sasso
Kyla Coates
Liam Stewart
Jinelle Gelinas
Stephen P. Wright
Stephen Seiler
Robert Shave
Neil D. Eves
Publication date
23-10-2024
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Journal of Applied Physiology
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-024-05641-w