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Updated: Aug 15, 2025

A Real-World High-Intensity Interval Training Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Improvement
Published on: February 22, 2022
High-Intensity Interval Training Combined with Different Types of Exercises on Cardiac Autonomic Function. An
Michelle Teles Morlin1,2,3, Carlos Janssen Gomes da Cruz1,3,4, Freddy Enrique Ramos Guimarães1,3,5
1Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil.
Abstract:
It is well established that endurance exercise has positive effects on cardiac autonomic function (CAF). However, there is still a dearth of information about the effects of regular high-intensity interval training combined with different types of exercises (HIITCE) on CAF.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to compare CAF at rest, its reactivity, and reactivation following maximal exercise testing in HIITCE and endurance athletes.
Methods:
An observational study was conducted with 34 male athletes of HIITCE (i.e., CrossFit®) [HG: n = 18; 30.6 ± 4.8 years] and endurance athletes (i.e., triathlon) [TG.: n = 16; 32.8 ± 3.6 years]. We analyzed 5 min of frequency-domain indices (TP, LF, HF, LFn, HFn, and LF/HF ratio) of heart rate variability (HRV) in both supine and orthostatic positions and its reactivity after the active orthostatic test. Post-exercise heart rate recovery (HRR) was assessed at 60, 180, and 300 s. Statistical analysis employed a non-parametric test with a p-value set at 5%.
Results:
The HG showed reduced HFn and increased LFn modulations at rest (supine). Overall cardiac autonomic modulation (TP) at supine and all indices of HRV at the orthostatic position were similar between groups. Following the orthostatic test, the HG showed low reactivity for all HRV indices compared to TG. After the exercise, HRR does not show a difference between groups at 60 s. However, at 180 and 300 s, an impairment of HRR was observed in HG than in TG.
Conclusion:
At rest (supine), the HG showed reduced parasympathetic and increased sympathetic modulation, low reactivity after postural change, and impaired HRR compared to TG.
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