Ambulatory blood pressure adaptations to high-intensity interval training: a randomized controlled study

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Hypertension Management

Background:

• Hypertension is a leading global cause of cardiovascular disease and mortality.
• High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is recognized for reducing clinic blood pressure (BP).
• Limited research exists on HIIT's impact on ambulatory BP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess changes in ambulatory and clinic BP after a 4-week HIIT intervention in physically inactive adults.
• To evaluate the effects of HIIT on BP variability.

Main Methods:

• Forty-one inactive adults were randomized into a 4-week HIIT group or a control group.
• The HIIT protocol involved 3 x 30-second maximal sprints with 2-minute active recovery on a cycle ergometer.
• Clinic and 24-hour ambulatory BP were measured before and after the intervention period.

Main Results:

• HIIT significantly reduced 24-hour ambulatory systolic BP (sBP) by 5.1 mmHg and diastolic BP (dBP) by 2.3 mmHg.
• Clinic sBP decreased by 6.6 mmHg post-HIIT compared to the control group.
• Significant reductions were observed in 24-hour ambulatory BP, daytime BP, and BP variability.

Conclusions:

• High-intensity interval training is an effective non-pharmacological strategy for managing blood pressure.
• HIIT leads to sustained reductions in BP and improved BP variability, crucial for mitigating cardiovascular disease risk.