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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-10-2015 | Original Article

The effects of high intensity interval training in women with rheumatic disease: a pilot study

Authors: Janne Sandstad, Dorthe Stensvold, Mari Hoff, Bjarne M. Nes, Ingerid Arbo, Anja Bye

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 10/2015

Abstract

Purpose

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are inflammatory diseases which involve increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). High intensity interval training (HIIT) is known to be effective in improving cardiovascular health. The aim of this study was to investigate whether 10 weeks of HIIT at 85–95 % of HR_max would improve important risk factors of CVD in rheumatic patients, and if these patients would tolerate exercise intensities above today’s recommendations.

Methods

Seven women with RA and eleven with adult-JIA, 20–50 years, were recruited to this cross-over study. Participants performed HIIT, consisting of 4 × 4 min intervals at 85–95 % of HR_max twice a week for 10 weeks on spinning bikes. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max), heart rate recovery, blood pressure, body composition, and blood variables were measured before and after the exercise and control period. Disease activity was determined and questionnaire data were collected.

Results

HIIT resulted in 12.2 % increase in VO_2max and 2.9 % improvement in heart rate recovery (p < 0.05). BMI, body fat, and waist circumference decreased 1.2, 1.0, and 1.6 %, respectively, whereas muscle mass increased 0.6 % (p < 0.05). A trend toward decreased CRP was detected after HIIT (p = 0.08). No changes were detected in disease activity or pain.

Conclusion

Despite rigorous high intensity exercise, no increase was detected in disease activity or pain, indicating that HIIT was well tolerated by these patients. Furthermore, HIIT had positive effects on several CVD risk factors. In light of this pilot study, HIIT seems like a promising non-pharmacological treatment strategy for patients with RA and adult-JIA.

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Title: The effects of high intensity interval training in women with rheumatic disease: a pilot study
Authors: Janne Sandstad
Dorthe Stensvold
Mari Hoff
Bjarne M. Nes
Ingerid Arbo
Anja Bye
Publication date: 01-10-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 10/2015
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3186-9

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The effects of high intensity interval training in women with rheumatic disease: a pilot study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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