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Published in: Clinical Autonomic Research 1/2013

01-02-2013 | Research Article

High-intensity intermittent exercise and cardiovascular and autonomic function

Authors: Mehrdad Heydari, Yati N. Boutcher, Stephen H. Boutcher

Published in: Clinical Autonomic Research | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Objective

The effect of 12 weeks of high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) on cardiac, vascular, and autonomic function of young males was examined.

Methods

Thirty-eight young men with a BMI of 28.7 ± 3.1 kg m−2 and age 24.9 ± 4.3 years were randomly assigned to either an HIIE or control group. The exercise group underwent HIIE three times per week, 20 min per session, for 12 weeks. Aerobic power and a range of cardiac, vascular, and autonomic measures were recorded before and after the exercise intervention.

Results

The exercise, compared to the control group, recorded a significant reduction in heart rate accompanied by an increase in stroke volume. For the exercise group forearm vasodilatory capacity was significantly enhanced, P < 0.05. Arterial stiffness, determined by pulse wave velocity and augmentation index, was also significantly improved, after the 12-week intervention. For the exercise group, heart period variability (low- and high-frequency power) and baroreceptor sensitivity were significantly increased.

Conclusion

High-intensity intermittent exercise induced significant cardiac, vascular, and autonomic improvements after 12 weeks of training.
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Metadata
Title
High-intensity intermittent exercise and cardiovascular and autonomic function
Authors
Mehrdad Heydari
Yati N. Boutcher
Stephen H. Boutcher
Publication date
01-02-2013
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Clinical Autonomic Research / Issue 1/2013
Print ISSN: 0959-9851
Electronic ISSN: 1619-1560
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10286-012-0179-1

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